Frequently Asked Questions about my Josh & Teo Toddler Backpacks - 2014 Edition

Please email me directly at joshandteo@hotmail.com if you have a specific request, or to place an order.  Currently the waiting list starts as of April.
Why a Toddler Backpack?
This toddler backpack is the perfect first bag for your little one. It’s also a great birthday gift. I made a garbage truck backpack for my son when he turned 2 years old.  It was time for him to pull his own weight and carry his own toys and for me to shed my diaper bag. 

My son loves garbage trucks and was so happy to see his new backpack. This backpack is a conversation piece every time he uses it. It’s just the right size for daycare, preschool, or an overnight at the grandparents. 

Most of the bags available in stores are too big for tiny bodies.  The pediatric society does not recommend that children carry heavy items.  So the smaller the backpack, the less they carry.

What Materials do you Use?
♥ Outer: 100% cotton dark denim.  Depending on fabric supply, the colour may vary from what you see in my sample pictures. 
♥ Inner Lining: 100% cotton or 65% cotton/35% poly broadcloth
♥ Applique: 100% cotton jersey
♥ Pre-washed to minimize any shrinkage

How Many Sizes do you Offer?
At the moment, I offer one size as most of my customers have given feedback that this size works beste for their preschoolers.  The backpack is approximately 11 3/8” Tall x 10” Wide x 4 ¼” Deep.   Note:  this backpack is rounded at the top.  If you need the backpack to fit an 8.5" x 11" folder, you "might" able to do this if you fold in the sides of the folder. 

The Train Backpack is size L and the Dump Truck Backpack is size S (only available upon request)

 
Why don't you Make a School Age Backpack?
I find that the little ones are much more enjoyable to make!

What Designs do you Offer?
I specialize in transportation designs (train, bus, car, trucks, etc) but have also made animals (owl, bird, shark, dinosaur, lion, etc).  If you have a design in mind, please let me know and I will send you a sketch for your approval.

Here are some samples of backpacks I have made.

Did you Create this Pattern?
I base the construction of the backpack on a pattern designed by Rae Hoekstra of made-by-rae.com.  The applique designs are created by me.

Construction Details?
♥ Appliqued design at the front of the backpack (your choice - see samples above)
♥ FULLY LINED on the inside with no exposed seams
♥ Piping helps to hold the backpack’s shape
♥ Zipper colour matches the piping
♥ Medium interfacing is applied to give the bag shape without stiffness
♥ Quilted bottom
♥ Loop to hang bag when not in use
♥ Padded shoulder straps with real backpack connectors
♥ Versatile enough to use for several years
♥ Buttons are optional and may vary in size and colour
♥ All of my products are made in my clean, smoke-free and pet-free home based shop.
♥ Truly one of a kind

What are the Lining Options? 
The patterned prints are 100% cotton, the solid print is 65% cotton/35% polyester.

What is the Price of the Toddler Backpack? (Prices subject to change)
$85 USD – plus shipping

What Type of Add-Ons are Available?
+$5 USD for 1 outer side pocket for sunglasses or a water bottle
+$5 USD for 1 flat inner pocket
+$5 USD for 1 initial appliqued on top of the main applique or side of backpack

What is the Timeframe to Sew/Design a Toddler Backpack?
Once we have agreed on the design and details, I will send you an invoice via PayPal.  From there, it takes 5-6 weeks to build and then additional shipping time.  

How should I Care for My Backpack?
Simply wash on delicate in the cold cycle of your washing machine (use a laundry bag to protect the applique) and hang to dry. 

Where can I see More Pictures?
I blog about each bag I make and if you'd like to read about each bag, please see my blog here . Or if you just want to see pictures, please see my Flickr Page here

What are your Shop Policies?
I accept payment via PayPal.  Upon completion and verification of payment, products will be shipped to the address listed in Paypal.  All of my packages are shipped from Toronto, Canada in bubble envelopes.  A tracking number will be provided.  If you require expedited delivery, please contact me. 

Customers are responsible for any fees, taxes, or duty charges that may be incurred at customs.  All sales are final.

Thanks for stopping by and please email me at joshandteo@hotmail.com if you have any other questions!

Tutorial: Heart Garland

Happy Valentine's Day! Over here, we're not doing much other than trying to get over a 3 week cold.  I have a terrible cough that isn't very attractive. On the decor front, we haven't done too much else with our new place. It's way too cold to do anything, even paint. And up until 5 minutes ago, I still had the Pom Pom Advent Calendar up with all of the Christmas cards we received.

This week was the 100th day of school.  Kiddo and I racked our brains trying to decide on what he wanted to do.  As Valentine's was coming up, I asked him if he wanted to cut out 100 hearts and I would help him sew it up.  I got "the look".  Truth be told, it was a selfish move on my part.  I really liked having the pom pom garland in our kitchen but it was time for that to come down.  If he was willing to do 100 hearts, then we'd have a nice garland once his teacher gave it back.

He decided on dry pasta coloured with food colouring for his 100th day.  Pretty, isn't it?

However, I still wanted a new garland.  Hence, little brother and I went to Michaels and picked up 6 pieces of felt. I wanted a colour combination that would last beyond the 1 day that is valentine's day. Hence, no red.

Then use a heart template + disappearing ink marker + scissors = lots and lots of hearts. I should've done the "math" to use up as much of the felt as possible. However, now I'm thinking of making a mini garland for upstairs. 

 

I played around with the colour combinations until I found something I liked.  Little guy decided not to nap and kept on re-arranging the colours.

Eventually I got tired of moving the hearts around...

I sewed them up using white thread. 

Then I hung it up in our kitchen.  Voila!  So simple and it really brightens up the place.

So far it has brightened my mood!

Happy Valentine's Day!