This blog world is a funny place. In July, Holly wrote a post about her friend Cheryl, Cheryl’s harley, and the “bulging knapsack on her back.” So, with that knapsack image fresh in my mind, and being smitten with Holly’s La Belle Rose Collection, I did the only thing I could. I suggested that the La Belle Rose fabric would make a cool backpack for Cheryl because all the black in the fabric would coordinate with the Cheryl’s black leather Harley outfit.
And presto-chango Holly produces a backpack out of La Belle Rose fabric and a Cindy Taylor Oates pattern on her very next blog post. (And btw Holly, all this time I’ve been thinking that you or a minion threw that backpack together in four days. As I’m reviewing your blog to set up the links here, I notice that you posted after my comment (I rarely ever make it back to the comments section on other posts) that Cindy Taylor Oates had already made that backpack. So that’s how you got that backpack so fast! Don’t worry though — you haven’t burst my bubble — I still believe you could whip that backpack up on short notice — you’re still the Lakehouse Goddess!)
Back to this story…I didn’t even know Cindy Taylor Oates had a backpack pattern. But I’m thinking, it’s just what I need! ‘Cause when I have my work trips to NJ and I go into NYC to go shopping, I always have to lug my laptop around with me. (Everyone knows you can’t leave your laptop in your hotel room and if you leave it in the trunk of your car, some slimeball will steal it — been there, done that.) That heavy laptop will be so much easier to handle hanging on my back, rather than my shoulder. So I ordered the backpack pattern and searched my stash for a fun backpack worthy fabric. And whaddyaknow, right there in my stash is one of my favorite fabrics — this adorable candy print by none other than Holly herself.
I love this candy fabric. I love the bright colors. And what’s not to love about candy? I’ve loved it from the first time I laid eyes on it. I first saw it in a quilt at a shop, but they’d sold out of the fabric. My wonderful quilty peep Jewels was with me that day, she took note of how much I loved that fabric, and a few weeks later she found some and sent it to me. Thanks again Jewels, you’re a sweetie!
I think I got a little carried away on the size of the monogram on this backpack — it could certainly be a little smaller. And lucky for me, along the selvedges of one of the candy prints, there was a candycane-like print. I used that print to make the piping that lines the edges of the backpack. It’s wrinkly looking now, but it will work itself out.
Pretty goofy for a woman of a “certain age” to have a candy print backpack, huh? I don’t care. Everyone knows, as you get older, you’re entitled to be more childish!
XOXO,
Anna
Cool backpack, Anna! Bet you whipped it up in a jiffy….and it looks so well-made. Also, since you talk of getting older we don’t only enjoy being childish again, we also don’t care so much what everyone else thinks.
Wow Anna! That backpack is amazing – it looks really professional! So what if having candy on a bag is “childish” – how much candy you can fit in the bag is the more important issue! Lucy x
What a cute backpack. And you won’t easily lose it or mistake it for somebody else’s. Very nice.
Love it! Love the monogram and the candy fabric – it’s good to indulge!!
Kimx
Holy cow, now *that* is a sewing project!
I feel obligated to be more childish – it just balances htings out some. And the bag is stupendous as are all your sewing endeavors.
Hey, I like Hello Kitty, you like candy backpacks. We’re not childish, just young-at-heart. ; )
Seriously, that thing is beautiful!
I’m so impressed with your patience! I don’t have it for these sorts fo sewing projects.
I love the way your backpack turned out. Both the fabric and the pattern are great!
What a wonderful backpack! Love the colours.
You can never be too old to have fun, Anna!!
Now girl that is just to cute and with a monogram to boot. I really need to refresh my memory on the embroidery(?) part of my sewing machine. I think I could become a monogram fool,LOL. Really this is a cute backpack and you did and awesome job on it and that fabric is just to sweet :)
Hugs – karen
That backpack is so cute. Great job making that. I would that isn’t so easy to make. But it looks good. Very cute.
I was not aware of you being of ‘a certain age’!! I love your bagpack. It looks really difficult to make! Great job and funny story!
Wow Anna – you’re never going to confuse that with someone elses – truly unique! I love it and I think it is a wonderful reflection of your lovely vibrant personality!
I love, love, love it!! It’s not only cute and functional, but beautifully made. Love the monogram!! And I agree about the candy fabric… as one gets older, you can do anything. Look who’s talking here… someone who is going to be sleeping on Halloween pillowcases. And… I found great turkey fabric which I will have to post tomorrow cuz it is so darn cute!! Older=cute!!! Agree??
Joni