Hippo Hobo Backpack Hack

Hello!

When I recently found myself needing to use crutches, I realized that I didn't have a cute backpack.  I've made plenty of handbags, totes, zipper pouches etc but never a backpack!

I couldn't find a pattern that I really loved, so I decided to hack my Hippo Hobo pattern by Emkie Designs  

Here are the changes I made:

• I added 10cm (4 inches) to the length of the bag (remember to add to exterior fabric and lining!) and omitted the exterior pockets.
• I added a top handle, attached between the top flap and back panel so I could hang my backpack.  
• I added straps, also attached between the top flap and back panel.  I made my straps the length of my fabric width and 10cm wide.  I then sewed a fabric tube and inserted a strip of fleece lining to give it some substance before top stitching the straps to hold it in place.
• I placed my straps 6 inches apart, but that was just personal preference.

I didn't have any adjustable strap sliders on hand (and wanted to finish my backpack ASAP!) so I knotted my straps to the D-rings, that way they are still adjustable for when one of my daughters want to borrow my backpack.  I would recommend using the adjustable strap sliders!

For my fabrics, I used quilting cotton (which I interfaced) for the main body and rigid denim for the base and accents.  I loved the selvedge edge of the denim, so I used it as a feature on the top handle and the closures.  For the lining of my bag I used a polka dot cotton.  You can see a peak of the lining on the sides this bag, so I cut 5 cm off the top of my lining pieces and added a 5.5 cm piece of the main body fabric.

My rose gold swivel clip is available from WhoSaysSew.com Pretty hardware makes such a difference to your makes!

Happy Sewing!

xox Allison

Fall In Love Cardigan / fabric Tetris mastery!

Hello!

You know when you have the perfect vision for a make?  Pattern and fabric which are a match made in heaven...and nothing is going to stand in your way!

That was me with this knit fabric from Hawthorne Supply Co.  The fabric was actually leftovers from a make I was commissioned to sew for someone else, but I knew it would make a divine Fall In Love Cardigan (pattern by Sew To Grow) 

To make it happen I tapped in to all those wasted years playing Tetris!  Naturally, I had to consider grain and stretch but by being willing to add extra seams and forsake pattern matching it was possible.  For example, the neck band of this pattern is 2 pieces which join in a seam at the back of the neck.  However my version has a 3 piece band and it was very lucky that my neck band seams matched the shoulder seams, making it look intentional.

I really had to get creative on the sleeves.  I didn't have enough fabric for long sleeves, so was happy to go with the 3/4 sleeve option on the pattern.  To achieve the 3/4 sleeves I had to add large cuffs to my sleeves, which is something I like to do anyway.  I think longer sleeves on knit garments look much nicer with a cuff than just a hem.  However, I didn't have enough fabric to cut 2 sleeves the same length so 1 of my sleeves has an extra seam at the elbow.  Fortunately the pretty floral design disguises it well and there is even some unintentional pattern matching going on!

The original pattern has a waist tie...I didn't have any fabric left to make one, but am happy with it just as it is!

The Fall In Love Cardigan (by Sew To Grow) is a pattern I have made twice before and absolutely love.  It is a fast and easy make and is effortless styling for all seasons.   

Moral of the story is: when you really love a fabric, you can make marvelous things happen!  This cardi is perfect for layering and for warmer months.  Remember, the fabric requirements on a pattern are just a guide!

For reference: I made size xs and added 12cm in length.

Happy Sewing!

xox Allison