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!

Local Paper Feature, Halloween, Birthday and Good Times

This past week has been a busy one!  First off, Joshie turned 4 and we had a nice family party for him.  My mom made him this cake to match his knight costume.



Hurricane Sandy blew her way through the North East and Monday night was a bit scary so we kept Joshie at home the next day until the winds were calmer.  I had saved some birthday presents so we could play "find your present".  Ever since Joshie was little, we played the Find the Heart game.   He loved searching for the presents almost as much as the presents themselves.  His favourite was Uno.  Check out that smile! 

I made caramel apples

Joshie wore his knight costume to school and wore it under his jacket for Trick or Treating.  He told me that next year he wants to be a Power Ranger like all the other kids.  Sigh... I guess that's the end of Halloween sewing for me. 

Last but not least, when I opened up my local community paper, our Scary Well inspired by the movie "The Ring" was featured.   Hubby was really excited and so was I!!

Looking forward to next week!

DIY: Police Officer Costume (Last minute!)

Since Josh is 2 years older than Baby Bunny, it gives us time to either 1) decide to make a new costume or 2) re-use the old one.  Of course we are going to re-use the old one!

This year Baby Bunny is going out as Office Bunny!  Here he is in the costume.

Here's what you need to make your own:
1.  Long sleeve white t-shirt
2.  Short sleeve black t shirt
3.  Dark pants (preferably with a red stripe since that's what Toronto officers wear)
4.  Old belt
5.  A police officer badge/gun/baton from the Dollarama ($2 at most)
6.  Mailing label to print your officer's name.

This costume was easy because the only thing we had to buy was the badge/gun/baton combo.  Everything else was already in the closet.

To make the police vest, just cut off the sleeves of the t-shirt and make sure that you cut so that the serged end remains on the t-shirt.  Use the left over sleeves to make the epaulets.   If you don't have a plain black shirt, use an old shirt and turn it inside out like we did.

For the police belt, cut it to fit your little one and use velcro strips to make the "belts" to connect the baton and handcuffs

Use duct tape and some recycled cardboard to make the holster for the gun.

Glue the badge to the front of the shirt.  Try it on and you are done!

Over here, we are getting a ton of rain due to Hurricane Sandy and maybe the possibility of snow!   Our DIY Scary Well from the movie "The Ring" is in danger of blowing away.  This is what it's looking like outside today.

For those of you on the Eastern part of the US and Canada, stay safe and stay inside.