Saturday 19 September 2009

Roses are red backpack

I fell in love when I saw this fabric - deep red chenille in a lovely sculpted rose pattern. Just right for this back pack pattern.
Gorgeous fabrics set off with a pewter Norwegian clasp.
Adjustable, padded cushion web straps. Tan leather base.
Four external pockets fastened with vintage burgundy buttons.
Red drawcord top, navy and burgundy stripe lining with two internal pockets.
This bag is as practical as it is gorgeous!

Wednesday 9 September 2009

Recycled Denim and Patchwork Backpack

Made for a commission, I've been wanting to have a go at a backpack for a while. I'm pleased with the result!
The pockets and top flap were the fiddliest bits, making up the patchwork and doing the quilting,but it was worth it for the finished look.
I couldn't find any buttons that suited the colour and style so had a go at self cover buttons. I also couldn't find any cord stops to suit so I made little fabric bobbles to cover the knots. And I got to play with eyelets!
The base is spotty oilcloth for protection against dirty floors.
I wasn't keen on plain polyester webbing and managed to find some cushion web on ebay. It's used to make horse headcollars and lead reins and is much softer and more comfortable in the hand than plain webbing.
Fully lined with a zipped internal pocket (recycled jeans zip!)
All the fabric was recycled - jeans, a tablecloth, a pair of curtains and a few offcuts.
I took these pics before I'd added the clasp. It took me a while to find what I wanted - I'd never heard of a Norwegian Clasp! But thats what I needed!

It just finishes it off perfectly!
This is going to be my next one. I bought a jelly roll of these gorgeous olive greens and plums. The whole thing will be patchworked - these are the pocket pieces, quilted with gold thread!
I have a nice piece of soft leather that I plan to use for the base. I might have to keep this one for myself!