Day: 12 August 2007

bags, children's clothing, kids clothing, sewing

Backpack for Ollie

My cousin’s son Ollie turns 4 years old this week (he and Clare are great mates).  So I made him the Simple Drawstring Backpack from Lotta Jansdotter’s book Simple Sewing.

 Lotta Jansdotter Simple Drawstring Backpack

It was certainly simple!  I think that it took about three hours total, maybe even a little less, including cutting out time.  Lotta says to allow a day – only if you’re an absolute beginner!  Hopefully he’ll like it and it will be useful.  The fabric came from my stash (the print bought from Lincraft ages ago, and I think that the plain was an op-shop find!)  The instructions didn’t say anything about finishing seam edges, but I overlocked them all.  Particularly important for something like an unlined backpack which could be gettting lots of use – I didn’t want the fabric to fray down to the seams.  I am happy with the finished product, and think that I’ll be using this pattern again!  Next time, I might add an inside pocket and make the strap length adjustable.

baby, children's clothing, planned projects, sewing

Next project

Next project (well, one of the next projects) will be a romper-dress for Stella for summer, from this pattern and fabric.

next project

I’m trying to decide between collar or no collar, sleeveless or short puff sleeves.  I’m tending towards no collar with puff sleeves.  And what trim to use?  Should I throw a different fabric into the mix somewhere?  Or keep it simple?  And what size will she fit into by summer?  Decisions, decisions! 

I’ve also just started using my rotary cutter and mat – they were a birthday present from my Mum in June, thanks again!  I can see that I’ll quickly wonder what I ever did without them.  I rotary cut all the fabric and the panels for the fairy bags, and it was much quicker than using scissors, not to mention much neater!