Back to School Sewing

Nigel just started kindergarten last week and I’ve been busily sewing for school as our summer slowly comes to an end. I’m finishing up two polo shirt’s using the perfect polo from Blank Slate patterns and finished this make, a new backpack,  just in time for school. I started on it during last month’s KCW but never got around to finishing it.

I went with a British/Nautical theme for Nigel’s new school backpack.  Nige is half British- daddy is originally from the UK but came to the US at 6yo, and is also a diver.  I LOVE these fabrics I found at Sew Modern.  The main body of the bag is made with the Union Jack fabric that comes as one large panel and I used the other two fabrics as my accents as well as some nice sturdy red and blue zippers and Nigel’s favorite skully buttons that I’ve been saving for a special project.

This backpack from McCall’s is a great little pattern, really easy to make and fully lined with lots of extra pockets.  I made View C plus added an interior pocket.  It’s meant as more of purse/backpack so it’s a bit smaller which is perfect for my little boy, not too large and unwieldy.  It’s a perfect size for holding his few school items and lunchbox and since we walk to school fits perfectly strapped to the back of my stroller.

Pattern:  Backpack, McCalls 6410, View C

Fabrics below from Sew Modern:

Riley Blake Union Jack Panel

It’s still super hot here so the kids don’t walk the whole way to Nigel’s school- it’s a little over a mile each way- so my double Phil & Ted’s stroller is just awesome.  We just got Nige a Freerider scooter that attaches on the back when not in use so he can ride to school but I can bring it home afterwards.  Ironically for this back to school post Nigel is home sick for the week, so I’m writing this during naps. Back with more next week, hoping for healthy kiddos and a nice Labor day weekend mini vacay up in Venice(FL)!