Wallace just turned two. He’s becoming more independent. Couple that with his great love of dressing up and accessorizing, and I knew that kid needed a backpack. 

Remember this backpack I made for Layla when she turned two? I knew with some personalization it would be perfect for Wallace too. I found that crazy awesome Boston print by Kokka at Jones and Vandermeer (I think they may be sold out) and snatched some up immediately for this very purpose. I wanted to incorporate some leather too, but I didn’t have a walking foot which is a must when topstitching on leather. I finally purchased one and finished (minus sewing the lining to the zipper) his backpack during his nap one day last week.  

 I knew he would be gaga for this bag. It’s all his plus it has Olivia heads all over it! When he woke up and spotted it, he packed as many diapers (his and Teddy’s) into it and it was days before I  got it back to hand sew the lining down. I’m all for the enthusiasm, so I was content to wait.  He actually likes the bag so much he was utterly wounded when I went to take pictures of it the first time. So these are the product of my second attempt. 

     Anyway, you can see I didn’t do the penguin design. I created a new template for the bag front and used the penguin belly pattern piece for the front pocket. I drafted my own pocket flap which isn’t perfect, but it’ll do. 

The lining of the bag is from Alexia Abegg’s Mesa collection. I love how perfectly it coordinates with the Boston print and leather!  

 I used red top stitching on all the leather and outer which is straighter than it appears. I really love the contrast!  

   I love making for my children. I’ll continue to do so until they’re older and I’m not cool anymore. It feels great to put time into planning and making something both useful and completely personalized. That’s one of my biggest motivations in making things myself! 

I hope you’re having a good hump day. Ours is a little nuts, and truth be told has been extra crazy and drama filed since Wallace turned two. The terrible twos (which I thought he had early) are in full swing. Say a prayer for me and do enjoy your day! 

-Meredith