Declan's backpack
October 02, 2009
My nephew Declan turned two years old last Friday. My sister-in-law Georgia told me that he'd be really happy to have a backpack of his own. I planned to order him one from L.L. Bean until I saw this pattern from Made by Rae. It looked a little difficult with piping and zipper and straps, etc. I wasn't sure that I was up for the kind of concentration I thought making this project would need in the limited crafting time I had this last month. So I hesitated buying the pattern for a few days, but then I figured, what the hell and clicked the purchase button.
And guess what? It was not swear inducing. It actually went together easily with little issues. The pattern is very well written with lots of photos - super easy to follow. I had everything on hand with the exception of the piping and the webbing for the straps. The canvas is Japanese and it may have come from Superbuzzy - I am not sure. The pattern is sized for toddlers - the finished backpack will not fit a letter sized folder - but there are guidelines included for upsizing the pattern. If you go that route, buy two packages of the pre-made piping. I followed directions for the smaller size and had about 1" left.
Here's a photo for scale. Like I said, it's small. For a toddler, though, it's perfect. Apparently, Declan likes it. He told me so on the phone.
I hope you all have a great weekend. Ours began a couple days ago. More on our most recent adventure next week. Take care.
I'm just dying to try this for my preschooler!
- you probably already know this....but just in case...It's cheaper and pretty easy to make your own piping. I think JoAnn's sells the white cord for about .70cents a yard- use a zipper foot to stitch your fabric around it and its ready to use!
Posted by: heather hales | October 02, 2009 at 06:42 PM
Wow! That is soo adorable. Cuter than anything you could get in the store!
Posted by: leslie | October 02, 2009 at 06:53 PM
oh i wish i knew a toddler! or two, or three...any excuse to try out this pattern. super cute!!
Posted by: Goodmankg | October 02, 2009 at 06:54 PM
That is one seriously cute backpack. My nephew would love it. His birthday is this month. Hmm....
Hope you're having a fabulous time!
Posted by: Sarah Jackson | October 02, 2009 at 06:57 PM
This is so adorable!!! The print on the canvas is just perfect for a little boy!
Posted by: Audrie | October 02, 2009 at 07:19 PM
So adorable and what a special gift for a special boys day.
Posted by: Elizabeth | October 02, 2009 at 07:30 PM
really cute!
Posted by: jess | October 02, 2009 at 07:33 PM
Love it...you're such a clever Mum!
Have a wonderful weekend.
Char
Posted by: Charlotta | October 02, 2009 at 07:48 PM
I love this bag - thanks for sharing how easy it was. I have been thinking about getting the pattern for a week or so now too as it would be perfect for a kindy bag for my almost 4yr old.
Posted by: joy (austysmum) | October 02, 2009 at 08:18 PM
it's so adorable! i want one for me! (is that weird?). hope the big city treated you all well!
Posted by: julia | October 02, 2009 at 08:23 PM
That turned out so cute! I love it!
Posted by: Liz | October 02, 2009 at 08:51 PM
super cute, erin!
Posted by: cloth.paper.string | October 02, 2009 at 09:05 PM
amazing erin! i never thought of making a backpack, but i think you're on to something. i'm thinking about sock monkey oil cloth, hmmmmm.....
Posted by: molly | October 02, 2009 at 09:42 PM
How sweet! I have been eyeing that pattern wondering if it was complicated. Looks perfect!
Posted by: Jody | October 02, 2009 at 09:45 PM
Oh gosh, how cute is that, I'm adding the pattern to my list too!
Posted by: MaryAnn/Ca | October 02, 2009 at 10:32 PM
toddler-sized backpacks are so cute, and this one is especially cute. All the better to call it a knapsack. Have a good weekend!
Posted by: dorie | October 02, 2009 at 10:42 PM
Nice work!!!
Quite the 'pro'!
Andi :-)
Posted by: andi | October 02, 2009 at 11:29 PM
My one year old son is looking at the photos and yelling BIG TRUCK! Score!
Posted by: Kate | October 03, 2009 at 03:45 AM
it's adorable. excellent job!
my kids have toddler backpacks. perfectly sized for carrying all their treasures.
nicola
http://whichname.blogspot.com
Posted by: nicola | October 03, 2009 at 09:58 AM
My mom made our backpacks when we were kids... I'm not quite up for the challenge! Yours is adorable, though!!!
Posted by: Beth | October 03, 2009 at 10:36 AM
Could it really be so simple..to make a backpack..My 3yr old is wanting one to be like her big school going brother. I may try my hand at making her one for Christmas...
Posted by: christina | October 03, 2009 at 11:32 AM
I really love that backpack. My daughter loves to have her own bag to carry her toys and snacks. I might have to try this pattern for her. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: AJ | October 03, 2009 at 02:36 PM
Thats cute. You did a good job!
Posted by: Angie | October 03, 2009 at 03:23 PM
That is too sweet, what amazing construction
Posted by: Heather | October 03, 2009 at 04:05 PM
So cute! I really need to learn to sew!!
Posted by: Alexis | October 03, 2009 at 04:21 PM
That is just adorable!
Posted by: Wendy | October 03, 2009 at 10:51 PM
WOW! This is adorable and inspiring! Positive feedback from the recipient is awesome!
I think I need to make one of these... well, 4 actually, for nieces & nephews
Posted by: Lori | October 04, 2009 at 12:01 AM
That is fabulous! I love it! I think my daughter might need one of these! Thanks for the inspiration!
Posted by: Piper | October 04, 2009 at 11:15 AM
Very impressive! It's wonderful.
Posted by: anina | October 04, 2009 at 03:42 PM
adorable.
hope your weekend was tons of fun!
Posted by: leslie | October 04, 2009 at 07:10 PM
That is so sweet, and I know of a few toddlers who would love some!
Posted by: ali | October 05, 2009 at 12:21 AM
Oh, my, I am blow away!!! Greatest backpack ever!!
Posted by: Kristin | October 05, 2009 at 09:36 AM
Erin, thanks again for the backpack! It is great and Declan loves it.
Posted by: Nolan | October 05, 2009 at 10:00 AM
Oooh, that is AWESOME. !!!
Posted by: Grace | October 05, 2009 at 12:19 PM
what a lucky little nephew!
Posted by: darlene | October 06, 2009 at 02:14 AM
That is SO sweet Erin. Sweet sweet Declan!
Posted by: Modern Crush | October 08, 2009 at 05:26 PM
so cute!!
Posted by: featherbed | October 09, 2009 at 02:04 PM