Day Off Backpack and a giveaway

24 Jul

A couple of weeks ago my friend Virginia posted a photo of a new bag that she had made on IG and mentioned that she was looking for pattern testers.  I loved the look of the bag and I was keen to have something else to think about other than painting so I volunteered.

The pattern is great in that it comes in both adult and child sizes and you can choose the type of base, flap, drawstring closure or snaps.  I opted to make an adult size bag with a boxy bottom.

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I had 2 fat quarters of Echino cheater patchwork prints that I thought would be great to use for this.  I also had most of a fat quarter of a print from Jenaveve by Valori Wells that would coordinate well and while not being a solid was subtle enough.  Part of the risk of pattern testing is that there might be errors along the way.  I’d worked out that with careful cutting I had enough Echino to make the bag.  It wasn’t until that I was stitching the bag together that I realised that one of the measurements was incorrect.  The back panel was too small, I discussed this with Virginia and sorted it.  

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This meant that I needed to add a panel into my back panel; fortunately I had 2 offcuts that once stitched together were big enough and I inserted them in to the middle of the bag as I had already sewn the straps and base on and really did not want to undo those!

Day Off Backpack - strapsThe pattern suggests using a fusible medium weight interfacing, I used a fusible woven interfacing (Vilene G700) and a fusible fleece (Vilene H630), it gives the bag a lot of strength and structure; chances are that I will load the bag up so its worth making it tough!  It also adds padding to the straps and I’d highly recommend making sure the straps are comfy otherwise you won’t want to use it. Day Off Backpack - straps

I chose to make the straps adjustable, I can’t see why you wouldn’t (unless you really can’t wait for the hardware to arrive) now though I am slightly concerned that my model will want to use it for herself as she can obviously make it fit.

So I mentioned that there are different options for this bag, while I was pattern testing I also opted to change things a bit; rather than make the suggested lining pockets I added an internal zip pocket:

19883123956_b410e3ce4b_zI also opted to added a key fob for my house keys, I hate having to rummage around to find keys so it’s always good to add one of these in a bag for me. Day Off Backpack

I’m really pleased with how this backpack turned out, partly because I got to use these stunning fabrics on something for me and also because I’d just started riding my bike again on errands and I didn’t have a bag suitable. Luckily for you Virginia has kindly offered to giveaway a copy of the pattern to one reader.

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To enter:

Leave a comment below telling me which options you would choose when making this bag (e.g. adult size, button flap etc) – mandatory.

For additional entries share the giveaway on social media (twitter, Facebook, IG etc) and add one comment per share.

Giveaway open worldwide until Thursday 27 Aug 20:00 BST.  Winner will be chosen at random and will receive a PDF copy of the pattern from Gingercake

You can see more versions of the backpack here and  buy a copy of the pattern here.

Photo’s by Tobit, bag modelled by Bethan age 10 (due to my inability to stand without crutches!).

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19 Replies to “Day Off Backpack and a giveaway

  1. That bag looks fantastic and I love the fabric choice. I would love to make an adult size bag.

  2. Is there some way those handles can convert from a backpack to a shoulder carry?

    Button Flaps and key fobs are cool and so would an outside pouch for a water bottle

  3. I have always wanted a back pack of myself, thinking quilt shows and shop hops!! I love the fabrics you chose and actually have a couple. I like the outside pocket as well.

  4. Hmmm, adult size, boxy bottom, rectangular flap with magnetic snap, front zipper pocket, side snaps, adjustable straps, internal zip pocket and key fob! I hope that covers everything!

  5. Love the bag- great fabric choices. I’d make an adult one for my daughter, just like yours, flap, boxy bottom and all the internal extras!

  6. I love the adjustable straps as I would like to sew this for children, and also the zipper pockets which are perfect for hiding their treasures! 🙂 Thanks for the chance!

  7. Gosh I love this backpack, your version is especially lovely with the Echino cheater fabric. I have some Echino fabrics that I’ve been saving for a special project & would use them to make this, I’d make the adult size with adjustable straps, internal zips & front zipper pocket. I’d also add the key fob option. Thanks for the chance to win this fab pattern.

  8. I’d love to win this pattern! I’d make the adult size and avail myself of all the pocket options available as well as adjustable straps and key fob. Thanks!

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