Monday, January 9, 2012

Banishing the UFO pile - Specimen Two


Following along from last weeks UFO triumph, here's another one that's finally been finished and therefore banished from the UFO pile!


I started making this backpack for Ms L around this time last year.

My original intention was to make her a fairly lightweight backpack that she could use for her Uni course. It just needed to be large enough to fit some A4 notebacks and some writing tools.

I wanted it to be quite sturdy so I used a dark denim and interfaced it with a layer of Vilene S320.

Cathy helped me to pick the cute penguins from her stash to make the front flap.


I'd previously made the backpack from Nikki's fab book You Sew Girl before making this one, so I used the technique from the book to make, and to place, the adjustable backpack straps.



Now, the outside of the backpack is totally functional..... but the magic happens when you see the inside...


Can you see those gorgeous bright stripes? The inside of the flap was cut from a piece of silk taken from a skirt that Ms L's Mum had made for her many moons ago....

But I've left the most romantic part til the end .........the light blue fabric for the inner part of the backpack was cut from the shirt that Ms L was wearing when she met Cathy, so every time she opens the backpack, there's a little reminder!

15 comments:

Cass said...

Love it Cam especially the nice little personal touches. Still looking for a bag for me but maybe I might do a backpack or commission you to do it for me!

bec said...

Ha, she'll be thrilled! I think I remember seeing that on the pile, well done on picking it up again! and awww, so romantic!

Kylie said...

Looks fantastic Cam! Good to see someone working through their UFOs... Have tagged you with an award because I love your blog!

Anonymous said...

Hmmm...perhaps I should commission one of these (less romantic due to distinct lack of romance in my life) backpacks for my new uni course...

Dee said...

What a great gift - love the romantic touches, I got goosebumps. I like the 'UFO' term too, I have a stack of these.....you just might have inspired me.
Have a great day,
Dee x

Jennie said...

Brilliant! A sentimental bag - love it Cam!x

Ady said...

Beautiful backpack, Cam. The penguin fabric is awesome and the personal touches in the interior makes this bag extra special.

nicole said...

what a sweet story! so many little reminders of times past in a backpack. tres cute!
can't wait to see what else comes out of that ufo pile of yours!
xo

Unknown said...

aahhh a beautiful bag made with love and sweet memories its gorgeous, you are so clever. dee x

Carly Findlay said...

I love the bag! Especially love the sentimentality of the inside fabrics :) what a lovely idea!

trash said...

I love a good romantic tale.

Cathy {tinniegirl} said...

It's a very special bag indeed. I especially love the shirt fabric on the inside. Now I'll think of the first time we met every time I look at it too.

Margaret said...

Nicely done, I love the use of the fabrics with memories.

Lotti said...

What a wonderful bag ... love the striped lining, so nice.

Cathie said...

loving the little romantic touches! she would have loved it, nice one Cam!