Presenting the Batala Backpack!

I'm so excited this bag is finally ready for presentation! I had this vision for a long time of a full circle backpack, however, I didn't want a shapeless sack, I wanted a practical handbag backpack substitute, with proper pockets for cellphone, keys etc... So after much experimentation the Batala Backpack was born!

It has a sturdy center, so it holds it shape nicely despite the half circle sides which gives the beautiful folds on the sides. It's such a handy size to replace your everyday handbag,  ~12" high and ~7" wide at the top. And it's super comfortable to wear with it's padded, adjustable straps, and you can easily hang it in the big D-ring.

You close it with a drawstring and a magnetic snap lock for the lid. So access is very easy. It's sewn in beautiful Tula Pink Eden fabrics combined with a light purple faux leather and a green blender fabric from my stash.

On the backside you have a safe zippered pocket, as I'm always a bit worried about carrying my things on my back otherwise, then it feels good to know the keys and any other important little things are safely tucked away towards my back where no one can get to it.

The inside has one zipper pocket and one open pocket, however, I will share more photos of the inside in a later post. The pattern will go out for testing soon, and so it will be available to the public in a month or so hopefully.

Tiger Conservation

The Backpack is named after the city of Batala in the Punjab region of India, this is part of the Tigers historical areas of habitats, however sadly there are no longer any wild tigers in this region. The conservation of our big cats is a topic that's very dear to my heart and one that was constantly on my mind as this bag took shape thanks to the lovely Tula Pink Crouching Tiger fabric. Even if this design isn't for you, maybe you'll take a moment of your time to take a look at https://www.panthera.org and see if there's anything you can do to help the tigers. It's very easy to donate directly through their website <3

Photo by Steve Winter, National Geographic.

I'll be holding courses at the biggest sewing event of the year in Sweden!

I'm super excited to finally be able to reveal that I'll be one of the teachers during the Husqvarna Viking-, Pfaff and Singer Sömnads- & inspirationshelg 2016! This is the biggest sewing event in Sweden and all of the nordic countries are taking part, it's going to be so exciting! =D

On the Saturday I'll be holding a course in the Stockholm Bag (if you want to take part you have to be quick, there's only 5 spaces left already!), all the material is included and you'll be confident in working with faux leather afterwards. You'll also learn many cool tips for making bags, among other things the handles on this bag, they look so great and are really fun to make and so comfortable to carry with, once you've started making these, you'll want them on all your bags! =)

And on the Sunday I'll be holding a course in the Bring the Basics Bag, it will be a ton of fun, there are so many great courses during this weekend, make sure you don't miss out! The Bring the Basic Bag course is great for beginner bag makers =D

16 Blocks Done!

Really happy to finally have 16 blocks (out of 24 so yes I know, I'm behind *lol*) finished for The Splendid Sampler!

I'm having so much fun with this but I'm constantly behind, I really hope I can get a few days soon and really catch up! =D

Block #19 – Measure twice, cut once

This one really killed me with the embroidery, I started working on it the day it was released and didn't finish it until yesterday, I'll willingly admit, I grew tired of it and I got sloppy... It just wasn't fun anymore and the fabric got a little distorted as I had to embroider it after piecing.  Not a fan of this one, hopefully after some time, I'll be able to appreciate it, if not, it will go in the discard pile and I'll replace it with something else. =)