Handmade Backpack

I am a firm believer that "If its made out of fabric, then I can make it". Why not? I signed up for a class at a local art school and the first thing I do to prepare to accessorize! I was going to buy a backpack but couldn't find anything I loved for less than $100. Although I have no access to commercial fabrics- cordura or coated poly, or other heavy duty water proof fabrics, I knew my bag would be out of canvas. Those commercial fabrics are great because they are light weight and sew pretty easy. ( I am trying to get my hands on some for future projects). I used duck cloth ( a thick cotton - not as thick as canvas) for the upper. The lower is a (thin) poly decorative suede that I lined with duck cloth.

On one side is a zippered laptop sleeve ( bottom right). It turned out really well and it is heavily padded.

 On the other side is a sort of hidden pocket that I made for my hand to slip into. ( left side) The pocket is quite large on the inside. I like it but I can only put things in that are hand size.

I wanted a bag that opened on top rather than a zipper. This is so that I could fit larger things in, like pads of paper or rulers. I have gotten some comments about the way it opens on top, but I don't mind that it is not zippered. I thought I could remedy that by putting a draw string pull closure.

 My favorite part of the bag is the waxed treatment. The fabric is actually a light beige but with the wax it became a darker khaki. I waxed the poly suede and it became shiny and much more durable. This was my first time doing a wax treatment to add water proofing. I don't think I put enough on but, but I lined the outer fabric with water resistant lining material- available at Fields. I was stuck in one especially heavy down pour and nothing got wet inside. I used a tutorial online for the wax treatment. I used 100% parafin and a paint brush to do this. I have since done a second bag differently, see Handmade Backpack 2 for details.

Things I learned: Having one central strap caused gapping on the side and put a lot of stress on the strap. You can see the shredding of the belt I used for the strap, which may just be because that belt wasn't made for that type of stress.
Also I need more pockets. And a place for a travel cup or bottled water. I was constantly having to get into the bag for these and it was just clumsy.
However I do like steam lined, minimalistic look without a lot of clutter, so I guess there is some sacrifice.

Here's the three backpacks I have made. The middle has internal laptop sleeve, the outter two have external laptop zipper pockets. I repurposed the organization pouches from thrift store bags to save me time. I made all the straps and spent time making then strong and reinforced. I basically was experimenting with top closures, sizes, and usefulness of bags.

diaper bag for Nerrisa

 
 
 
 

Pattern Review Here

This is for a coworker, I offer to sew a homemade diaper bags for anyone expecting as my gift. I love this fabric, it's stain repellant outdoor fabric, the beige on the inside is pre-quilted fabric.

pillows for Carrie

 
 
I love sewing pillows, they are so easy to make, and they look store bought with a little pipe-ing. At her request I made the pillow covers with a zippers instead of a flap, I used the by-the-yard home dec. zipper and a little flap to cover.

Zipper repair in pants for Flor

this is my first ever zipper replacement, I don't know how I have avoided these so long but I am surprised how well it went together. Of course I couldn't find the same color zipper to match the beige pants but I am please with the light cream. and it save Flor from loosing her favorite beige pants.
I removed the original zipper carefully keeping it in place with pins then slipped the new zipper exactly in same position then sewed carefully. I would really have to love a pair of pant to do this again though.

quest for the perfect purse

my newest purse inspired by Simplicity 5308 view B. what I like about it: 

1. it has a flap, which I like but sometimes I get annoyed with flaps that sometimes get in the way so I added to the  outside covering 2 large pockets- the main compartment is access by zipper on top

2. it has a short handle and a larger handle that can clip off and tuck into large outside back pocket, I use the short handle most of the time but for hands-free shopping its nice to have the large handle accessible

3.All the fabric came from my stash

What I don't like:

1. the elastic on the back pocket isn't tight enough it gaps a lot and I think it looks diaper-baggy

2. the front pockets are gappy, I should have given them more dimension along the bottom

3. no dedicated cell phone pocket

homemade drapes

these are my second drapes ever - these will be my winter drapes. they are a light sand color but don't let a lot of light through, I didn't calculate correctly and ended up with 2 additional hooks on each side than I originally intended. I probably should find a book or pattern or something, but I am always surprised how easy drapes are, a little tedious and hand-sewing though but I like the custom look for a lot less than new. And I learned how to string transverse rods, which might come in handy someday.

holiday tablerunners

my latest sewing: a halloween table runner for jane s. -the jack-o-lanterns glow in the dark! (my favorite is the back fabric) I must admit I do not like applique, but is seemed the best way to get what I imagined.  the autumn one is for kirstin s. I haven't quilted in a long time but I think I miss it, I especially love the maple leave block- I think because autumn colors are my favorite.

tri-fold purse-2nd generation

well I spent the last few days planning this out, I have been using my original trifold purse for a few years and made some improvements, though I have found a few areas that still need tweaking. this is poly swede (home-dec)  with cotton lining the top flap has a snap but on the side I decided to use a pant close- hook- which I'm not sure about yet, I don't know why I didn't want a snap there like the previous version so I am going to give it a try, I can easily add a snap, the inside is pretty much the same, I added a cash slot behind the id/card section. but the biggest change is a outside pocket along the back with an strap that can be adjusted to wristlet or longer for shoulder.

simplicity 3881

well this skirt was easy but I'm not exactly happy with my fabric selection, I had to create a lining which should have been included I think. the top part is quite snug, I would think a knit would be better. 

Simplicity 3887

This is a nice summery shirt, I like sewing gauze cotton: it hides a lot of mistakes. I'm not 100% sold on the green shell buttons, I had white shell buttons picked out too if I change my mind. This is a very easy  pattern, I didn't like the way the first sleeves looked (the yellow shirt) you  need skiny arms, so I went with a loose elastic sleeve which looks a lot nicer.