Bella's Backpack

Here's a make from months ago that I never showed except on Instagram. Miss Bella needed a backpack for their trip to CA. I was very glad to help out with that. I am happy to say that the result matched the vision in my head. I found the grey polka dot at Joann's. It's a nice lighter weight canvas which has proven to be durable but was not hard to sew with the many layers I had going on.

The pattern is Made by Rae's Toddler Backpack. I've made it, I think, 6 times now and I still love it. It is easy to put your own twist on it because it is such a nicely done pattern. One add on was the front pocket. I was really winging it on this part and though I'd do some things different if I did it again, I love the way it looks.

I lined it and decided that a zippered pocket was a good idea. A welt zipper application kept it from being too cluttered inside when it's loaded up.

The piping is Kona Cotton in Salmon, if I am remembering correctly. Can I say yum?

To give it maximum structure, but still have the ability to sew it with out pulling my hair out,  I used Pellon Decor Bond on all of the main pieces including the lining. I actually use it in most of the bags I make. (Smaller bags only need a single layer. ) 

I wanted the back to be more comfortable for her when she wore it so just before I put it all together, I tacked in pieces of Annie's Soft and Stable. I ended up putting it in the back, front and bottom. It is extremely easy to sew, and gives more structure without much extra weight. Have you used this product? I've done a few things with it and I love it. 

Last but not least, I put a leather bottom on it. I am not sure if it helps much in durability or keeping it clean but I think it looks really cute.

I love seeing pictures of Bella wearing it around. I do wonder what all she has packed into it though....

Wedding Signature Picture

Remember this wedding invite? Well they didn't have time to use my graphic for the invites but they did end up using it at the wedding. We had it printed onto an 18"x 24" canvas 

Which they had all of the guests sign 

 The ADORABLE couple (his Dad did the ceremony)

 The wedding turned out sooo beautiful ! It was a backyard wedding, the house sits on a lake in a golf course community and it was so nice- the little lake even had an alligator that swam around- AWESOME! The bride had 1000 cranes strung up.

 And the beautiful cake (via Cinotti's Bakery)

 And the car ... because it just makes me laugh!

Hope you all had a fantastic weekend!

A Bag For Jessica

Jessica and I were discussing what type of bag she would like to have when baby M is born. She even sent sketches because that's fun for her. When she mentioned she liked the way the Multi Tasker tote by AMH looked I started thinking of combining the two. Not sure if this is exactly what she was looking for, but it's a start. I made this with our new organic canvas and one of the gorgeous chambrays from Kaufman.

I used the pattern and it was fun and simple. I just added more pockets. These two were not in the pattern. I figured everyone needs a zippered pocket and the other gets wider at the top for, well, odd wide at the top stuff.

I also put fleece between the layers to give it more body. Moms need to be able to use just one hand sometimes, right? I added a pocket that follows the fun outer pockets on the pattern.

In it I put a changing mat with a fun Amy Schimler surprise. I had to use the iron on vinyl. Not a fan but you do what you have to do. Dear Ms. Schimler, have you thought of coated cottons lately?

She might even  be able to sling it across her body if she absolutely needs both hands.

What do you think Jess?

More Oliver + S and A Nice Surprise

Oliver + S Sketchbook Shirt and Shorts.

For my Grandson.

Size 6 - 12 months.

Kaufman organic cotton canvas for the shorts.

The shirt is in Recess by Sandy Klopp for Moda.

Ridiculously cute? I think so. Yes, it's another good pattern from Oliver + S.

Excuse the terrible photos. Adding to the no sun issue we have here in Germany right now, is the plastic wrap situation I find myself in. My windows are covered in plastic wrap. Our apartment building is being painted on the outside. World cup is in session. We have been wrapped up since Thursday. Coincidence? I think not. Yucky? Oh yeah!

~

In the nice surprise catagory, I came home to an e-mail telling me I'd won a $25 gift certificate in the 3rd week drawing on Sew Mama Sew's Make it Wear it Challenge month. How cool is that? Yes, I already shopped.