Wednesday, August 28, 2013

A Pattern-Free Summer: Back to School

We are happy to be a homeschooling family so back to school is a little different for us. We are involved in many classes outside of the home and this year we will be joining a co-op. A co-op is kind of like regular school for a day. The kids have different classes throughout the day, all taught by other parents. The kids all need backpacks for co-op. My oldest two children pitched a fit about getting cool, store-bought ones, much to my sadness. The younger three didn't really have a choice, although they did really like the ones I made. I let each girl pick out their own fabric. The twins picked out Dora and Minnie Mouse. My middle picked out, her all time favorite, kitty cats. I found a tutorial on making your own pattern here: Paterning a Backpack. I have made my own backpack pattern in the past and used that for the twins' smaller ones but I really liked the straps on this one. I added a lining to mine as well.





The kitty's mouth is a pocket and the twins are always wanting to "feed the kitty". 

 I added a little ruffle to the side. I think it adds a little flair to it but it also helped when I sewed it together. I didn't have to have my measurements exact.



I made myself a bag as well. It is a messenger bag that turns into a backpack. (It looks a little wonky hanging up but it's not. I promise.) It has a padded pocket for my laptop, pockets for my Kindle, phone, and all the cords. I have no link for this. It is something that I designed myself.


We also have to take a packed lunch with us on co-op days. I bought a large canvas cooler on clearance at Target and made some snack bags. Here are some of the ones I have made. The second one is pretty big and can be used for sharing.

2 comments:

  1. There backpacks are so cute. Love the kitty's pocket mouth. The older two are crazy I would love a handmade backpack! Lol!

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  2. Super cute backpacks! I especially love Clair's and how the mouth is a zipper! So clever.

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