Hi all.

My daughter broke her backpack, 3rd one this year. I'm tired of buying cheap backpacks (not cheap $ wise but the way they are made) 3 or 4 times a year. They never last.

Anyway, I have a lot of scrap material, mostly jean material, and I've decided to put myself to the test and make her a school bag.

Some things you should know.

1. I can sew, but I'm self taught and not a pro by any means. I can follow a simple pattern, but start using sewing terminology and I'm lost.

2. I have a very good sewing machine that can handle jean material, I'm the one that's the problem when it comes to anything fancy.

3. I've never done patchwork before.

4. I'm looking for an over the shoulder design, hopefully with interior pockets for pencils, crayons and other small things.

5. She's in grade two but still has to bring a lot of stuff home every night, so she needs room in the bag.

6. I need to get this done by Tuesday.

So, if anyone has any tips, a simple plan, simple instructions, pictures, I could use any help I can get.

Thanks in advance. :)

I hope it is OK to refer people to websites on this forum... Have you ever been to etsy.com? They have a sister site called Alchemy where you can post requests for custom handmade items, and then sellers bid on the opportunity to make the goods. I'm not sure if someone could help you as quickly as Tuesday, but you never know - it could be a good option if you don't get help otherwise. Good luck! Etsy :: Alchemy :: Handmade Ideas & Custom Items (http://www.etsy.com/alchemy)

I hope it is OK to refer people to websites on this forum... Have you ever been to etsy.com? They have a sister site called Alchemy where you can post requests for custom handmade items, and then sellers bid on the opportunity to make the goods. I'm not sure if someone could help you as quickly as Tuesday, but you never know - it could be a good option if you don't get help otherwise. Good luck! Etsy :: Alchemy :: Handmade Ideas & Custom Items (http://www.etsy.com/alchemy)

Thanks Big Auntie.

It is okay to refer to websites, as long as you're not advertising your own website. :)

I'll take a look at the link you provided. :)

Thanks again and welcome to AMHD. :)

Thanks for the welcome! I hope you find what you need. :)

Here's a couple ideas for you. As far as working with patchwork, just sew the pieces together until you have a piece of fabric big enough to make the bag.

Classic Messenger Bag: Sewing Pattern : Tipnut.com (http://tipnut.com/messenger-bag/)

mmmcrafts: the basic messenger bag (http://mmmcrafts.blogspot.com/2009/06/basic-messenger-bag.html)

Heart of Mary: TUTORIAL: Messenger Bag with Zip Top Closure (http://pinoyinoz.blogspot.com/2008/07/tutorial-messenger-bag-with-zip-top.html)

Choose Your Own Adventure Bag Free Pattern - SavvySeams.com (http://www.savvyseams.com/bags/adventure.php)

messenger bag with gusset tutorial - PURSES, BAGS, WALLETS (http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=2684.0)

OK, so that turned out to be more than just a couple. Oops.

I've made several bags like that, but I've never worked from a pattern. When I make purses and bags, I usually just measure and cut and sew and hope for the best. Usually I get pretty close to what I was aiming for.

I'd do a sketch.
I'd do a #3D model in cardboard.
Create a pattern out of newspaper, paper shopping bags or brown paper.

Get an idea of the size.

Now create a solid piece using the pieces of the material. There is a stitch you can use to prevent unraveling. Take a look at a typical jean pocket.

Cut pattern. Sew.