I’m really trying to make my way through my massive pattern collection, I have such a habit of grabbing a pattern the second it’s released, then sitting on it because I have to wrap up the current project I’m working on, or life stuff pops up, or my mood changes, jeesh, just over here existing sometimes. I once went on a eraser buying spree and I got that giant milan, and another weird fact is, I kind of want to bite it.
Trying to be a digital pattern girlie, but I really do love a paper copy to scribble on, using the best of both because sometimes my old lady eyes love that digital zoom. 👀
Starting with the Buckthorn Backpack by noodlehead. I wanted to start with the smaller tote, and make myself a cute knitting bag, but Lex picked out the pattern and really wants the backpack ..and if I start with what I consider the harder of the two, when I make the tote it’ll seem like a breeze, right? I hate sewing backpack straps almost as much as I hate sewing zippers and this has both.
When sewing bags I prefer to use heavier weight fabrics, ones that will hold their shape pretty well on their own, because fusible interfacing frustrates me, some days it wrinkles and creases the fabric and can be tough to sew through and other days it’s no trouble and I haven’t figured out what the hell its deal is. I’ve also used sew in interfacing or just lined with another layer of fabric, anything to get that extra structure.
Oh, and when those big box stores have a coupon for 50% off a single cut of fabric, I use it to get full bolts of interfacing. It’s a hobby hack that ensures I always have the right stuff when I need it, because nothing stops my creativity quicker than a store run, or having to wait to start.
Close enough to 60°
I didn’t document the making of this backpack as much as I usually would, mostly because it wasn’t super enjoyable to sew, maybe it was the straps, maybe the zipper, it also had an unexpected oval bottom that my brain wasn’t ready for, I don’t know I was like.. just get through it. I will say, the pattern was extremely well written as are all noodlehead patterns, so that wasn’t it, but I have noticed I’ve been in a place of extreme simplicity lately and anything that takes extra effort is annoying.
Finished, cute and in use.
I’m also really trying to appreciate and use my massive pen/pencil collection so you might see more stationary around here.
My current favorite kaweco set is the Skyline Sport Clutch Pencil and the Sport Ballpoint Pen, tucked sweetly into the two pen case with charm.
chalklegs.com 