Duck Toddler Backpack in Mint

Introducing... a new design!  Shall we say "hello" or "quack"?

Way back in 2012, I made a grey owl toddler backpack for Sarah's daughter.  Fast forward to 2014 and she's got another little one who needs to have a backpack like her big sister.

I love new design time!  Sarah and I discussed what she wanted and I sketched out a design for her.  First we thought a white duck would be nice but I had a feeling there wouldn't be enough definition for the eyes.  Her sister had a grey owl so we thought maybe grey.  But then Sarah asked about doing a duck in mint and I was sold!  We've had so much snow since December that the thought of doing a bright duck felt very spring-like.

My inspiration?  Our bathtub rubber ducky

Here's a pic of us figuring out what colour the duck should be.  I did actually like the grey but there was something about the mint one.   One of my other customers suggested tan feet for her pink owl toddler backpack, so I incorporated it in this layout too.

We also discussed putting a wing on the duck as per my original design.  However, in the end, it was just a cleaner look to exclude it.

We also discussed "short feet" vs "tall feet".  Hubby suggested red rubber boots (I'll have to keep that in mind for the next one!).

There are elasticized pockets on each side.

Here's a pic of the back.   I used a dark brown piping, bias tape, zipper and webbing.

The quilted bottom

I found the lining a while ago and was waiting for the right backpack to use it on.

While I like the basic brown that I normally use, there's something very happy about this yellow lining. 

I would have loved to do some outdoor pictures but there's too much snow on the grass.  I guess the front porch will have to do...

More wishful thinking for spring weather.  (Couldn't find our yellow boots but Spiderman boots will do too!)

I'm crossing my fingers that ducky helps usher us into a nice spring.   We are ready for the warmer weather!

If you would like more information on my toddler backpacks, please view my 2014 Toddler Backpack FAQs.  However, if you know how to sew and would like to tackle this project (appliques are my designs), visit Made by Rae's website to purchase a PDF copy of the toddler backpack pattern.

Happy Sewing!

Plaid Owl Toddler Backpack

Seems like I'm always making things for my shop but this backpack was a "pleasure" sew.  I made it for my cousin in-law's daughter for her 1st birthday.  I think our kids are second cousins?? 

I am such a big fan of plaid.  I hope she will be too.   She's still little so hopefully she will use it as she becomes more independent.

I made this while I was sewing Molly's Pink Owl toddler backpack.  As you can see, I used a bluer (is that a word?) dark denim.

I like that the plaid gives it the appearance of having more texture.  Don't ask me why I made it cross eyed.  I must've been sewing late at night!

I did a flat side pocket and an A initial.  I used a beige colour for the piping and webbing that I don't normally use for the shop.  

Another point to note is that I now close off the piping so that it's more seamless looking.  Previously, I followed Rae's pattern instructions but I think this looks much better. 

I'm no longer doing it the old way.  

Here's the back view

I lined it with an owl print and inserted a large flat inner pocket.  So great for keeping diapers separate from other things.  Yes Mamas, your little one can carry his or her own diapers and a small pack of wipes.  This means you can wear a normal purse again.  Yessss!!!!

I added a green bias tape to finish it up. 

And here's another shot

If you would like more information on my toddler backpacks, please view my 2014 Toddler Backpack FAQs.  However, if you know how to sew and would like to tackle this project, visit Made by Rae's website to purchase a PDF copy of the pattern.

Happy Sewing!

Pink Owl Toddler Backpack

At the end of last year, I made a tan train toddler backpack for Christy's son.   She liked it so much, that she decided to order another one, this time for her daughter.   It was a pleasure to work with her again.

She decided on a pink owl backpack.  (Excellent choice!! :o))

Here's a pic of us figuring out eye colour and beak/feet colours.  I love it when Moms like to work with me on the design.   Even when it's something small like figuring out eye colour or tiny details like the beak colour, I love it when they give me input!

The tan beak won out over yellow or dark brown. 

There's an elasticized pocket on one side and a big "M" on the other.  The "M" was done using "Cooper Black" font.

Here's a pic of the back.   I used a dark brown piping, bias tape, zipper and webbing.  If only the backpack connectors came in dark brown...

The quilted bottom

Here's the lining trimmed with navy bias tape.

I would have loved to do some outdoor pictures but we have so much snow and ice everywhere.   I am so ready for spring!

If you would like more information on my toddler backpacks, please view my 2014 Toddler Backpack FAQs.  However, if you know how to sew and would like to tackle this project, visit Made by Rae's website to purchase a PDF copy of the pattern.

Happy Sewing!