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How I Spent My Summer (of JoAnn)

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. 

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.

As usual, linking up to:

I Heart Nap Time The Chicken Chick Photobucket  photo blogbutton_zpsb1fa0f6d.jpg Happy Hour Projects Photobucket

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sparkling

    August 12, 2013 at 3:45 pm

    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!

    Reply
  2. amy mayen

    August 12, 2013 at 11:29 pm

    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!

    Reply
  3. Shaffer Sisters

    August 15, 2013 at 7:45 pm

    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.

    Reply
  4. Shaffer Sisters

    August 15, 2013 at 7:45 pm

    This is really cute by the way. I love the floss around the grommets.

    Reply

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callajaire

Today’s the day! The Morgana Zip-Up/Cover-Up is Today’s the day!  The Morgana Zip-Up/Cover-Up is live as a part of the Project Under the Sea collaboration released this morning over @projectrunandplay 💕💕

This zip-up has views for a cropped and oversized hoodie as well as four other cover-up style looks.  Designed for minimal stretch fabrics, it works great with French terry, sweatshirting, and of course the beloved new Cloud Cuddle© from @shannonfabrics (shown in the cover looks.)
You can find the pattern (sized newborn to 16 years) on sale exclusively through Project Run & Play for a month. Check out all the views in the listing. 💕💕

https://projectrunandplay.com/product/morgana/
#dbcamorgana #designsbycallajaire 
#projectunderthesea #prpunderthesea #shannonfabrics #shannonfabricscuddle #shannonfabricscloudcuddle #coverups #zipuppatterns #pdfpattern #pdfpatternsale
This big sister turns 12 today! 💕💕 This big sister turns 12 today! 💕💕
The new Cloud Cuddle© from @shannonfabrics is inc The new Cloud Cuddle© from @shannonfabrics is incredibly soft on both sides, which made it perfect for a new layering piece. 💕💕
It has just enough stretch for the Chromium Cropped Sweatshirt, but I needed to cut the neckband on the bias to make sure it would stretch over her head. 🙌🏻🙌🏻
She wouldn’t stop petting her arms and talking about just how soft it is. 😍😍

#designsbycallajaire #dbcachromium #shannonfabrics #shannoncuddle #cloudcuddle #shannonfabricscloudcuddle
It was a fun class day @sewspecialinc as we were a It was a fun class day @sewspecialinc as we were able to finish up some Larry the Lion stuffies leftover from a class this past winter. I’m so glad these ladies were able to come out to join me and complete their projects 😍😍

Fabrics are cuddle by @shannonfabrics and the pattern is @funkyfriendsfactory
Well, it’s been awhile, but Designs by Call Ajai Well, it’s been awhile, but Designs by Call Ajaire has a new pattern that’s ready for testing!! 
Meet the Morgana Zip-Up/Cover-Up in sizes nb-16 years.  This is the perfect beach/pool cover up and was designed for minimal stretch knits, so french terry, cuddle minky, sweatshirting are all great options here.  Other knits could be used, but YMMV.

Testing will begin Wednesday the 26th and end May 6th.  This is a relatively short turn-around, but the block has been used in the past and I’m not anticipating much in the way of fit changes.  If you’d like to test, just fill out this google form (in profile). Thanks!!
https://forms.gle/N8fkAGRXho6YsZbH9
fabrics here are cloud cuddle from @shannonfabrics 

#designsbycallajaire #dbcamorgana
Well, it's been awhile, but Designs by Call Ajaire Well, it's been awhile, but Designs by Call Ajaire has a new pattern that's ready for testing!! 
Meet the Morgana Zip-Up/Cover-Up in sizes nb-16 years.  This is the perfect beach/pool cover up and was designed for minimal stretch knits, so french terry, cuddle minky, sweatshirting are all great options here.  Other knits could be used, but YMMV.

Testing will begin Wednesday the 26th and end May 6th.  This is a relatively short turn-around, but the block has been used in the past and I'm not anticipating much in the way of fit changes.  If you'd like to test, just fill out this google form (in profile). Thanks!!
https://forms.gle/N8fkAGRXho6YsZbH9
I love it when the insides are pretty 💕💕🌵 I love it when the insides are pretty 💕💕🌵🌵
#designsbycallajaire #dbcacapechinos
When you’re working on a pair of pants and you r When you’re working on a pair of pants and you realize that the inside pocket material is the same as your ironing board cover 😆😆💕💕

@wolfandrabbitfabrics for the win! 💪🏻💪🏻💕💕
#designsbycallajaire #dbcacapechinos #sneakpeek
Love these siblings!! 💕💕 #nationalsiblingda Love these siblings!! 💕💕

#nationalsiblingday #jenngorriephotography
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I've always loved making. At an early age I started cross stitching and sewing and I taught myself to knit and crochet during college. When our seven year old daughter Bean was born I was filled with all sorts of inspiration, so now I find ways to manage my crafty time and treasure those moments. Though sewing is what I'm most passionate about these days, there's something about the portability of yarn crafts and embroidery that keeps drawing me back in. Read More…

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