Backsak Perfect for a Princess + Pattern Giveaway

Today I'm sharing with you this fun, practical Backsak that I made using one of the patterns in the Back 2 School Pattern Pack by Get Your Crap Together.

Believe it or not, school started a week ago where I live, and although my little girl is not even attending pre-k this year, she wanted to be prepared for school like her older brother.  I offered to make him his own Backsak, but he was content using the same backpack from last year.  Lucky for Ella!

To make Ella's Perfect for a Princess Backsak, I used Ann Kelle's Girl Friend's in Jewel fabric for the main part and Remix in Sky fabric for the pocket.  Kelle graciously offered me these fabrics to play around with, and I can honestly say I love them!  You'll definitely be seeing LOTS more of her fabrics around here soon! By the way, both fabrics are manufactured by Robert Kaufman and can be purchased at a number of online and local fabric shops.

If you are the type of person that prefers a pattern even for rectangular shapes, then you are in luck!  All the patterns (and there are 9 total) in the Back 2 School Pattern Pack are actual pattern pieces that you use to cut out your fabric.  So for the Backsak pattern, I only had to print out 3 sheets of paper!

The written instructions were easy to understand and accompanied by lots of color photos.  While the actual pattern design for the Backsak includes just a slip pocket on the outside, I decided to turn the exterior pocket into a zippered/slip pocket combo.

To do that, I basically cut out an extra pocket piece and then sewed the zipper to the top edge leaving the sides and bottom open.  Next, I positioned the pocket onto one of the outer pieces of the Backsak and pinned only the bottom layer of the pocket in place.  I marked the vertical center of the pocket (on the wrong side of the pocket fabric) and then stitched only the bottom layer of the pocket along this line to just below the zipper.  I then stitched parallel to the zipper along the top of the line I just stitched in order to reinforce it.

By sewing the pocket on this way, the Backsak now has an outer zippered pocket plus two outer slip pockets.  In order to make the Backsak fit more comfortably on Ella, I had to shorten the straps a few inches by tying a knot on each side at the bottom.  As she grows, I can untie the knots for more years of use!

Making Ella's Perfect for a Princess Backsak was a breeze!  I finished the entire project in just under an hour and really enjoyed making her this bright, cheerful bag.  She loves the fabric and the bag!  It's just right for carrying princess supplies!

If you are preparing for your child or children to start back to school soon, then this pattern pack has some great, simple projects that will help you do just that!  To check out the other patterns included in the Back 2 School Pattern Pack by Get Your Crap Together, just click HERE.  I think I'll be making some reusable snack bags next!

To see other great items made using the Back 2 School Pattern Pack, be sure to follow along the Bus Tour and visit all the other talented bloggers!  Oh, and I almost forgot!  Be sure to enter the giveaway below to win your very own copy of the Pattern Pack!


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