Tiny Explorer Backpack Review

TinyExplorerBackpackTitle

Its’s back-to-school season and that was enough motivation to [finally] get me to blog about the Tiny Explorer Backpack I made all the way back in June for my niece.  I wanted to make something special for her first birthday which she could grow into and use for awhile.

This toddler-size pattern by the fabulous Erin Morris of  Diedel*Bug Handmade, was exactly what I wanted.  If you’ve been sleeping under a rock and don’t know her work, you’ll have to check out her Facebook and Instagram pages.  She makes the most amazing bags and because of this, I knew her own pattern was going to be well written with lots of pictures.  There was no disappointment here!

IMG_5698

From the get-go, I decided to use Soft & Stable instead of the recommended fusible fleece.  I was inspired by some store bought backpacks to quilt the back for a nice feature but to also cushion the back.  Plus, how can I ever pass up the opportunity to do a little quilting, right?!?

TIP: Cut the back pattern pieces a little larger and quilt.  Then use the pattern template to cut to size since you’ll lose some area depending on how much quilting you do.

IMG_5700

Red pandas are my niece’s favorite animal and I could not resist snatching up this MinShan fabric by Lewis & Irene.  The woodgrain is Gentle Forest by Tea and Sympathy for Studio E Fabrics.

TIP: To keep the fabric nice and tight on the Soft & Stable, baste with 1/4″ seam allowance.  Gently tug on the fabric as you sew to keep it smooth.

IMG_5699

Aren’t these little guys, the cutest?  All hardware was from Emmaline Bags and the webbing was from Joann’s Fabrics.

TIP: Heat seal the ends of the webbing with a lighter before sewing.  My webbing had unraveled at the edges and pulled out after being sewn.  Sealing will prevent this from happening.

P1060497

I also used Soft and Stable for the side panels of the bag to keep it’s shape.  As a little toddler, I figure it would be easier to find toys that way.  I added this key fob to the interior in case mom and dad ever need it 😉

TIP:  Add zipper pulls to help little fingers open and close pockets.  I use some leftover suede to complement the fabrics.

P1060495

As I assembled the exterior, it was difficult to stitch close enough to the piping through all the layers.  I had to hand-stitch these bottoms corners a little bit to clean them up and make them match.  It might have been a little OCD, but since this was a gift, I just had too!

TopView

With this directional print, you do have to account for a little extra fabric, especially fussy-cutting the shoulder straps and side panels like I did.

TIP: The entire lining is drop-in.  I used lots of clips to keep it centered and secure before top-stitching it into place.

IMG_5753

With kids, there are always spills, so I used some vegan leather on the bottom to help with easy clean up and for better wear and tear.

TIP: Pull the lining up to just barely cover the zipper stitches.  This way you’re guaranteed to catch it as you top-stitch.

P1060490

There were three additions made to the front of the bag —  Two D-rings were sewn on with leftover webbing so toys could be clipped on.  I also added a snap to the main exterior pockets to keep little treasures safe.  The most noticeable are my niece’s initials.  I used my Silhouette  Cameo machine to cut the gold heat transfer vinyl.

TIP:  If you would like to add a snap, place it centered 1″ down from the top of the pocket and secure into place before sewing in the lining

TE Sideview

Since I used a long-pull double zipper, I decided to to exclude the zipper tabs.  I also omitted the side pocket binding just to streamline the look a little bit.  Don’t leave the pockets off entirely though…they are great for holding drinks and snacks!

P1060499

Voila!  A fun toddler backpack for my little niece!

MayaBackpack

Here is my little munchkin with her bag.  Look at her rolls on rolls! <3  Doesn’t she look like she’s ready to catch some Pokemon 😀

 

Happy Sewing,

Cristy

 

This was not a sponsored post.  I purchased the pattern and all opinions are my own.

Quilted Toddler Sleeping Bag

SleepingBagTitle

This week, I’m doing a little throw-back of toddler sleeping bags I made for my boys last year.  I wasn’t a blogger then and figured I’d write a post in honor of our annual trip to the lake.  We brought these puppies along for each of our sons and I couldn’t help take some fun new photos along beautiful Lake Leelanau in Northern Michigan.

SleepingBagHalfOpen

My boys are at a fun age when we can now have little sleepovers in the family room.  This adorable sleeping bag was exactly what I wanted for each of my kids to have their own.  I LOVE the idea of having the sides snap so that you can pull them apart and have a great throw blanket!  Duel-purpose items are key!  The pattern and tutorial can be found on The Sewing Rabbit’s blog.

SleepingBagOpen

For the fabric, I used some fun outdoor-inspired designs from the Camp-A-Lot collection by Bo Bunny for Riley Blake Designs.  Unfortunately, all of the fabrics are out of print (OOP) but you can still find certain patterns online.  I used quilt weight Firewood in chocolate for the border, Tracks in green for the center and then Main in green flannel for the backing.

SleepingBagInterior

My boys are still young and I wanted fun patterns for them that weren’t too mature.  They are already growing up too fast!  Plus, I just loved the flannel backing. It makes for an awesome “I Spy” game…bonus!!!  These sleeping bags should last them awhile for indoor fun, but I know we’ll have to get them “real” outdoor ones soon enough.

SleepingBagSnaps

Luckily, I’m a very loyal fan of KAM Snaps.  If there is a reason to use them, I do!  I was so happy to see them in this tutorial because I have a ton of colors in my craft stash.  They hold well, but are easy enough for little hands to fasten together. There is spacing in between that allows air to come through on the bad, but remember, these are not intended for outdoor use….so I’m perfectly happy to use them!

SleepingBagRolledCloseup

The only modifications I made to the tutorial were increasing the width between quilted lines to about 4″ apart.  As you know, I’m not a fan of actual quilting, so this made for light work!   I also added appliqué letters to personalize each bag.  As a mom, I know how important it is to avoid any fights and keeping each boy accountable for their own stuff helps!  And yes, monograms are also super cute and special 🙂 To attached the appliqué letters, I used a tight zig-zag stitch to cover the edges and to mimic embroidery.  This process takes awhile but the results are worth the extra time!

I hope you are all enjoying your summer (northern hemisphere, peeps!) and get to make a special little person one of these sleeping bags!  Back to some family fun for me…

 

Hugs and Stitches,

Cristy