Thursday, August 29, 2013

Back to School


School started earlier this week for my two older daughters.  I really hadn't planned on doing any back to school sewing this year (figured they would just do their own) but one thing led to another and I ended up helping with two new messenger bags.  And I even let them pick from my small Echino stash and use the last of my Essex Yarn Dyed Linen.


For both bags, we loosely followed my easy messenger style book bag tutorial - adjusting the measurements to fit their school stuff.  For my 8 year old's bag, we did all QAYG panels (she did most of the quilting) and we added one zip pocket inside.  And she chose some adorable Ed Emberly fabric for the lining.



My 10 year old had very specific ideas for what she wanted - including fussy cutting from the middle of the fabric (!!!) and using a zig zag stitch to applique it to the flap. (If you look closely, you can see she kind of missed in a few spots - one of us should probably fix that soon!)



I was hesitant at first but I'm glad I decided to let them use the echino - fabric is supposed to be used, not stored in a box, right?!!?!?

Recent Posts:

Quilt Photography Workshop Link Up (August link up open until Sat.)

A Great Fabric Sale and Giveaway (open until Sat., Aug 31, 2013 11:59pm EST)

28 comments:

  1. Oh you are such a good Mummy! I think I would have to hide my Echino and deny all knowledge! These bags are gorgeous x

    ReplyDelete
  2. Err can you adopt me, cause I want one of those bags. Just gorgeous!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Stunning bags!! Your girls have excellent taste!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. These bags both look gorgeous! You are a fabulous mummy to share your special Echino!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oooh, so cute!! Those turned out adorable. You've got some talented young ladies following in your footsteps!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Absolutely darling, and I completely agree with you -- it's important to share the good stuff with our kids!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Good mommy...especially with those fabrics! They are adorable and I bet your daughters were super excited to show them off. Loving that black essex fabric, about to use some for a bag myself, does it seem to work well?

    ReplyDelete
  8. Both bags are adorable! I love them.
    (I hope to link up for the photography workshop tomorrow)
    xo jan

    ReplyDelete
  9. Love those fabrics! I try not to hoard anything these days.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Love the bags! Happy back to school!

    ReplyDelete
  11. good for you for letting go of something precious! you're right, it's to be used. looks like y'all found a great home for it.

    ReplyDelete
  12. These are so, so cute. (Much cuter than any Target bags. :) ) I am, in fact, kind of a lot jealous of them. Maybe I should cut into my small Echino pile too. Good on you for sewing with your girls, and letting them have creative rights and access to the good stuff.

    ReplyDelete
  13. They look fantastic Beth! My echino is pretty much untouched too - but I agree, it's so much better to use the special stuff. You get so see it all the time that way :o)

    ReplyDelete
  14. They will wear them with pride : )

    ReplyDelete
  15. How fun are these bags? Books should be a little lighter with these great bags to carry them in!!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Gorgeous bags - love the look of the Echino with the yarn-dyed denim.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Echino just makes all the bags look so pretty. Well done all of you!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Great bags Beth your girls will be the envy of all their friends!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Gorgeous bags and you are absolutely right! Fabric this lovely should be used and not hidden away in a stash :)

    http://asaucystitch.blogspot.co.uk/

    ReplyDelete
  20. They are adorable and so colorful. It's great that they'll have a special bag that y'all created together with them at school every day. :)

    ReplyDelete
  21. Oh, I think this is the perfect use for those fabrics!! I especially love the placement of that pink deer print, but they're both adorable!

    ReplyDelete
  22. You're such a sweet mom. They both turned out beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  23. What a fabulous project to share with your daughters. I think it's so unselfish of you to share your stash with them! You deserve some new fabric;)

    ReplyDelete
  24. I love the messenger bags you made - your girls most be stoked. Gorgeous.

    ReplyDelete
  25. looks like your girls have great taste and talent just like their Mom! These bags are so cute, and I think it's so neat that they have made their own school bags.

    :) Kelly @ My Quilt Infatuation

    ReplyDelete
  26. These are adorable! Your kids are going to be the coolest in their classes :) I have a hard time using Echino prints too, but they are definitely made to be used!

    ReplyDelete
  27. These are adorable! Your kids are going to be the coolest in their classes :) I have a hard time using Echino prints too, but they are definitely made to be used!

    ReplyDelete
  28. What a good mom! They look great, the echino and Essex look great together, and they'll probably last longer than just cotton!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for visiting!