Yellow Dump Truck Toddler Backpack

Here's a toddler dump truck in yellow for little I!  Usually, my customers choose white for the truck but I am quite partial to the yellow.  I quite like the idea of a little boy jumping around in yellow rain boots, wearing this backpack. 

As always, I like to get my customer's approval before sewing the bag.  First I lay it out so that they can get an idea of what it will look like.  Then I sew on the applique and get one more "OK" before I do the rest.  

Here's the front and back.  Notice how I used yellow thread to sew on the wheels?  I am going to start matching the wheel thread to the main body of the applique.  I like how it ties it all together.  "I"'s mom liked the idea of putting the product label on the side of the door, kind of like a real construction truck. 

 Here are the sides

The lining is blue and red stars (my favourite!) and there is an inner pocket to hold diapers and other stuff.

Interestingly enough, I've had another request recently for a yellow train.  I wonder if yellow is becoming a trend? 

I've had several people ask me how many backpacks I make and how I juggle home and my Josh & Teo ETSY shop.  How I do it is by limiting the number of bags I make to 2 a month (and sometimes none!).  I really enjoy making these bags and I put my heart into making each bag special for the little boy or girl that is going to receive one.   Hence, I don't sew rushed, rather I take my time to craft a durable backpack that he/she will cherish and use every day.  

In addition to that, part of the decision to slow it down was the result of a minor car accident that happened at the end of August.  Thankfully none of the kids were in the car.  This whole experience made me re-examine my priorities and how I spend my time.  As I couldn't do much sewing, I focused my energies on my recovery.   I also started doing Yoga with my sister which actually combines 2 of this year's New Year's resolutions (ya!!!). 

I'm happy to report that everything is back to normal.  The car was fixed, a new car seat was installed, and I am good too.  The insurance company was kind enough to mail two teddy bears to my kids last month.   It was surprising but a nice touch.  The kids are now advertising for an insurance company but they do like their teddys...

 Happy November!

Shark Toddler Backpack

I just finished making this shark toddler backpack for little A.

Originally, we had discussed making an Owl backpack in blue.  However when A and his mom saw a picture of Joshie's Dino Toddler Backpack, he asked if he could have a dinosaur or a shark.  Of course!  His Mom was so nice and it's really cool that she let him pick his own colours.

He wanted everything blue but the stylist in me kept thinking... "get some brown in there!"  But he stuck to his guns and I have to admit, I really like the way the navy piping coordinates with the indigo blue denim. 

Here's the obligatory side shot that I always include with every posting.  Again it's very blue but I like it!

From the back, it's quite unassuming

But the front pops since everything else is quite neutral.  Hmm... maybe this kid is onto something!

Here's the bottom

He wanted the owl lining and I finished the seams with navy bias tape.

While I was waiting for the right lighting to take some pics, the backpack sat on top of our piano (I keep custom orders up high now because of what happened here).  The kids didn't notice it at first but before bedtime, Joshie said "I want a shark backpack!".   *Sigh... so many requests, so little time. 

For those new to the blog, all backpack orders are custom built orders purchased through my ETSY shop.  

All this talk about sharks has me wanting to see Jaws again!

Bird Toddler Backpack

Here's a little toddler backpack that I made for a friend's little girl. It was her 2nd birthday and I wasn't sure if she would want a train or truck on her backpack.   So I decided to make a bird.  I love making backpacks for friends because it gives me a chance to experiment a little more.

I bought the striped fabric ages ago and was so happy to find it in my stash.  The only other bird I've made so far was for this owl toddler backpack

I spent a long time figuring out the eyes.  Joshie and I debated it and even hubby weighed in.  In the end, I ended up taking it to my Facebook Page for a vote.   (Since this pic, I also changed the beak and made it pink instead of yellow).

I put her initial on the side of the bag since I felt that the "G" would be too much for the front.  I also added a little tassel for the zipper.

I tried a new twill webbing vs my usual.   I also had to use D rings because I ran out of backpack connectors.

I used a simple black cotton for the lining.

Here's another angle.

and here she is waiting on the front porch.

Don't fly too far little birdie!

Linked here:

Garbage Truck Backpack for J

So it seems like most of the boys I sew backpacks for have names like Jason, James, Joshua... is it a coincidence that I am always sewing for "J" kids?

Here's the latest/last backpack I made for the summer.   This one will be for little J as he's going to preschool.

This will be the first time someone has ordered two side pockets and I think it's a great idea!

Overall it's got the same look and feel as this one or this one.  I really like the look of the quilted bottom vs a flat bottom.  It's soft but has structure.

I love little boys and their backpacks!  Can't wait to see a pic of little J in his backpack!