Introducing the Charlie Convertible Backpack! This pattern has been in the works since fall 2019, interrupted by two high risk pregnancies, a newborn, and a global pandemic. So I bet you can guess how happy I am to have this one finished!!! The irony is that it’s really a simple, straightforward bag. It is a tote with a big front pocket, an inside divided, pleated pocket, and an inside zippered pocket. The two straps allow for a seamless conversion between a backpack and a tote.

See the straps in action!

If curvy pockets aren’t your thing, I’ve included a diagonal pocket option. And if a backpack isn’t something you’ll ever need, this bag makes a generously sized cross-body bag (although the cross-body bag strap instructions aren’t included, but I have confidence in you!)

Get your copy of the Charlie Convertible Backpack right here and start sewing today!

THANK YOU TESTERS!!!

Even with a huge break, my testers jumped right in on this one and I am so thankful. I am so excited to share their bags! I also want to mention that I will often receive an email asking to buy a finished bag – I do not sell the bags that I sew, but many of these wonderful people do!!

Cara used a gorgeous combination of waxed canvas, Essex Linen, and quilting cotton. You’ll find all of Cara’s creations at Early Bird Stitches on Instagram and Facebook.

  

Veshka created this stunning version with thin vinyl and waterproof canvas! Click over to @iknitsdesigns on Instagram for more amazing things!

Margareth tests a lot of bag patterns, so if you want to see what’s new in the bag making world, check out @maggiemadebags on Instagram! This one is made with Cotton + Steel fabric.

 

Candy (aka Grandma G) shared this cloudy bag on a sunny day – made with gold canvas and quilting cotton. She so graciously showed us her (bag) bottom. :) You’ll find Candy on Instagram @grandma_g415 and blogging at A Photo’s Worth.

Jacqui sewed this one up with Black Essex Linen and Ruby Star Society fabric. You can find Jacqui on Instagram @picklepiemama!

Next is Lynn, who used grape Mora faux vinyl from Emmaline Bags and quilting cotton. The Mora works so well in this bag. You’ll find Lynn at LBP Bespoke on Instagram.

Meli used black vinyl and canvas, and doggo Leia helped model. Find Meli and Leia on Instagram @theshortmunchkin.

Sharon used this barkcloth by Jessica Jones with denim. Denim is another great base for this bag! If you like Harris Tweed, you will want to follow Sharon @lovequirky on Instagram!

Ruth made this one from all quilting cotton, so we know that works well!

Mimi’s bag is off to be a teacher bag!

Judi inadvertently tested out Thermolam (instead of thinner fusible fleece) and she doesn’t recommend it – now we know! I still think it looks great! Find Judi at 3 Grand Creations on Facebook and check out her new sewing room (I’m jealous!)

Janet once again wowed us with her cork creations! This stunning floral bag is all cork (!!) and the black one is cork + waxed waterproof fabric. Check out Janet @forgetitnotdesigns on Instagram and Forget-it-Not Designs on Facebook for another video of the bag in action!

Once again, thank you wonderful testers!!

LIFE UPDATE!

As I look back and see that the last post here was in April 2020, I realized some of you who may not follow me on social media probably missed a few things. I’ve had a few messages about Sammy – Sam passed away last year after 18 months of having no idea she was sick with failing kidneys. Her under-desk duties have been graciously filled by four-year-old Black Lab (Captain) Jack (Barkness), who’s grandma Rider actually helped train Sammy and Loki! Jack is the most polite dog I’ve ever met. While he has the athletic ability of his agility champion cousins, he has absolutely no motivation to do more than snooze on the sofa. So instead of winning ribbons, he won his own baby. He is absolutely, 100% in love with Charlie. And Charlie is completely mesmerized by Jack.

Charlie is the newest member of the family – we announced he was quarantined until June and he took that very seriously, making his sudden appearance on June 1st at 37 weeks. He has no idea how stressful my pregnancy was, and is a very happy baby who is always looking for his next opportunity to nap. We named the Charlie Convertible Backpack after him because after being put on hold for the bedrest that kept him safe inside, I was finally able to frantically work on it for one whole week after my restrictions were lifted. It was a race to see who would be finished first! I really thought I had a few more days when my doctor declared I was in labor and like an hour later he was here! Thankfully he is a champion napper and I was still able to finish with only a slight delay. Emmett is starting Kindergarten and has been busy the entire pandemic learning all the math – square numbers, prime numbers, fraction to decimal… and also playing Nintendo and creating with Perler Beads. I’m sure his teachers will figure out what to do with him. Apparently he’s been asking for extra recess, so I’m not super worried about him trying to outsmart everyone. It seems like he’s just happy there are slides and swings and he gets to leave the house!

Since the last blog post, there are several other patterns available. The Curvy Case Duo is a small kit bag that seemed appropriate at the time for all of our hand sanitizers and gloves and masks. Now I use them for sewing supplies. Mostly I just needed a distraction with figuring out how to sew a bag like this with no raw edges, and when I figured it out, well it had to become a pattern. You should give it a try! The Zip Mask Case is a super simple quarter round zippered pouch that fits fitted or 3D masks or folded pleated masks. It holds about 5 or 6 masks which is perfect for a bunch of errands or for Emmett to take to school. And finally there are two free mask patterns – a Fitted Style and a Curvy Pleated Mask. I’ve since tweaked and modified these even further, but the construction methods are solid. If you’re still struggling to find your perfect mask, please reach out and I can try to do a demo on how I’ve tweaked them even more for a better fit. Emmett doesn’t even take his off for the ride home from school, so I must be doing something right!

    Who knows what fall will hold. I’m optimistic that I can keep working! My anxiety will be on edge at least until Emmett can be vaccinated (Charlie got some of the good stuff with me in April!) and probably beyond. But I know we all need a distraction, so I will do my best to keep providing them! Happy Sewing! (Or at least, try to enjoy it at least a little bit. It will be good for you!)
– Erin