Remember when Labor Day was the unofficial end of the summer? Now with kids going back to school in a couple of weeks (or maybe already in school wherever you are) it feels like it’s already over. It was a very busy summer and weather-wise not the greatest, but we did have lots of little enjoyable moments and there’s still time to soak up what’s left. This week I have a few posts planned as sort of a summer wrap up. First up is a project I did as part of the Summer of JoAnn campaign for JoAnn Fabrics and Crafts.
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| project photo via joann.com |
With as little blogging as actually I did this summer, you can be sure I still spent a lot of time crafting. JoAnn Fabrics’ Cape Discovery craft catalog was a fun way to get some inspiration. I didn’t realize JoAnn has so many free projects on their site. When you go to joann.com the top of the page has three categories: Shopping, Projects, and Classes. I had only ever been to the Shopping section (default) so I was really surprised with all of the fun projects they have.
I crocheted a couple of the amigurumi patterns this summer and I posted updates on Instagram, but today’s focus is on this cute little drawstring backpack pattern.
No, Bean’s name doesn’t start with an M. I made this with a friend in mind so the initial is meant for someone else, hehe.
The full instructions are at the link above, but I took a few pictures during the process to maybe help clarify the steps. I also did some minor things differently, but that’s what’s great about crafting: you can use project instructions as inspiration and make it your own way from there.
Step two of the instructions had me a little confused when reading it until I actually did the step. So I took this picture of what I think the instructions meant for all of those visual learners out there, hehe.
Once I had all my pieces cut out I realized I didn’t have any wonder under on hand so I used my old standby method. Elmer’s School Glue is really just starch so it works great as a temporary way to hold a seam or applique when sewing. It washes away in the laundry so I use those little purple tubes all the time. So far I haven’t had the purple dye anything a weird color, but I do always worry about that so maybe keep an eye on things or just get the regular white school glue.
All I did is spread some school glue on the back of the letter I wanted to applique and then placed it on the fabric where I wanted it. Then I pressed (with no steam) the letter to the bag for a few seconds to let the glue dry. Once it was dry I machine appliqued the letter to the bag just as I would have if I had used wonder under.
Step four it wasn’t clear that you should cut the 3×3 fabric square on the diagonal and use those pieces for the two sides, so again here is a picture of what I did and how I interpreted the step. It worked great this way.
Once I attached the grommets, I decided they would look better (and a little girlier) if I embroidered around the edges. So I did using some DMC thread. I think it makes the bag a little sweeter.
In the interest of being a girly bag, I decided to use cute ribbon instead of the cording recommended. I think it turned out so adorable.
This little backpack came together so quickly and with so few supplies, that it would make a great gift bag for any little kid. You could make a bunch of these in one night for party favors or even a fun pajama bag for a sleepover. I’m sending this one off to a little girl as part of a swap party I participated in (more on that later) and I think it’ll be very well received.
If you’re interested in being a JoAnn Preferred Customer you can click here and you’ll get a 20% off coupon just for signing up. I recommend at least checking out some of their projects. I know when Bean is a little older it’ll be a great place to go for ideas for projects we can do together.
JoAnn Fabrics and Craft Stores sent me a gift card for the supplies in this project, but I was not otherwise compensated. ALL OPINIONS ARE MINE.
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So glad you clarified the M. I kept hearing her say M in my head but didn't think she was so obsessed with it that you made a bag with it for her!
I never heard the glue trick before, I learn something new everyday 🙂 I also like the covered grommets…they look nice & I bet they stay in better. My grommets don't always stay put. Thanks for all the tricks today!
I'm glad you had a great summer!
I love elmers glue. I have used that trick for Tie shirts, I attached ribbon to the tie shape with the glue stick then zig zag over the top of the ribbon. Then glue stick to attach the decorated tie to the t-shirt.
This is really cute by the way. I love the floss around the grommets.