Backpack

After carrying around my current diaper bag for the past 6 months, I have thought to myself "this thing is too big." And not only is it too big, but it's insides are also not very well planned. I made the pockets too deep and narrow and one giant pocket that is just too big. Back to the drawing board! I'd been eying those vera bradley backpacks and decided to make something similar. I actually followed a few pre-teens around the mall one day because they had on mini vera backpacks. I took some mental notes and started drafting (and re drafting) the pattern in my head. When I was ready to put it on paper, I made a few measurements down and across my back and got started. I played around with things on paper and after a few days I just decided to go for it.

I've carried it around for about two weeks now and I love carrying a backpack! Here's what I think about this particular bag:

What I like:
- The size is great, not too big and not too small.
- The interior pockets (which you can't see...) are a great size
- I made the shoulder straps out of belt fabric covered in the backpack fabric and they are nice and sturdy. Need to reinforce them in the seam, though.
- I love the fabric! It goes with everything.
- Love the quilting that I did, the lines are very fluid and don't follow a pattern.
- The handle at the top is quite useful and how I transport the bag when not wearing it.

What I don't like:
- Too flimsy. I quilted the fabric and should have used a thick interfacing so it wouldn't be so floppy.
- I used the incorrect zipper and it shows. Should have used a smaller (easier to sew) zipper on the front and side pockets.
- The side pockets aren't near deep enough. I didn't allow for enough room when assembling the bag... oh well.
- The back open pockets are pretty but not very useful. I didn't want the back to be bumpy against my back so I made these pockets to be flat, but I just don't think they will amount to much.

Overall I will most definitely make another backpack again, probably soon. Maybe this time I'll just find some already quilted fabric so I can omit that rather laborious step.