​Hi!  I’m Bree from My Crafty Crap over on Instagram and I’m excited to be sharing my thoughts today about On the Go Bags from C&T Publishing.  It was put together by the amazing Lindsay Conner (of Lindsay Sews) and Janelle MacKay (of Emmaline Bags) and includes projects from so many of my favorite designers.  

​I really like that the book includes a variety of projects that are divided by experience level.  I have actually had the book for a while now, and the cover bag is the main reason I picked it up in the first place, but I know I will make some of the other projects in the book as well.  I generally can’t justify buying craft books when I already have so many other patterns, but this is one I couldn’t pass up.  There are projects in all three levels (Easy, Intermediate, and Advanced) that I hope to make.  

I recommend doing a quick search for sew-alongs for book projects if you are intimidated by them.  Often times there will be additional tips and tricks that will help you with the more difficult parts.  I have found that due to limited space in books, instructions are sometimes not as thorough or have as many pictures as I am used to with stand-alone patterns.  That’s not saying craft books are not as good, just something to keep in mind and get use to.  Janelle and Lindsay both have multi-part sew along posts on their blogs for projects in this book (the Airport Sling and Sporty Strap Pack), and I’ve seen others too.  Make sure you check them out!

I was provided with an eBook version of my choice of books for this series, but decided to go with one I had already purchased in book form.  Personally I like to have physical copies of books/patterns rather than working from my phone or a tablet.  I find it much easier to flip through a book than a digital pattern, but I do love having the pdf versions of the pattern pieces.  Sometimes the physical books can be a pain to use though because they don’t lay nicely, and it’s annoying trying to keep your place in the book when you’re trying to figure out what you should be doing next.  To solve this problem, I took my book to a local print shop and had it spiral bound.  What a game changer!  It was relatively cheap (under $4.00) and worth every penny. 

The physical book includes one large pull-out pattern piece that is printed on both sides.  On the one hand, that can be annoying because it means you have to copy the pattern pieces in some way (through a print shop, tracing, etc), but that way you always have another copy in case something happens to the pattern piece you’re using (I saw a woman recently who was looking for replacement pattern pieces from a book because her pattern pieces had been “toddlerized.” I had to laugh because I knew exactly what she meant, but that’s the problem with only getting one copy of pattern pieces in a book).  The really nice thing about the pullout pattern pieces is that they are all one piece – no taping & matching lines!  The eBook version comes with pdf pattern pieces that must be taped together before cutting.  While not difficult, it does take extra time that I would generally much rather spend sewing.  There are also a lot of rotary cut pieces for all the projects.

The book starts out with an introduction by Lindsay and Janelle, followed by general techniques that apply to all/most of the patterns in the book and are just really good general project tips to apply to whatever you might be making.  There are also super handy tips & hints scattered throughout all the patterns in the book.  They are definitely helpful!

As I said, the Sporty Strap Pack on the cover was the reason I bought this book in the first place, so this review was my excuse to let it budge in line a bit & move to the top of my “To Make” list.  This pattern is the last one in the “intermediate” section, and in general isn’t a hard project, but the unique shape and construction do land it firmly in the intermediate section.  I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly it came together (or would have, without my usual tendency to modify any pattern I make – more on that in a minute…), and was able to whip it up in less than a week of naptime sewing.  A week might sound like a long time, but when you consider in the time I spend chasing a toddler to keep her from coloring on E-V-E-R-Ything, it wasn’t bad at all. 😉

If you happen to know anything about me, you know two things – I love pockets and for the life of me I can’t follow a pattern as written.  It’s not necessarily that I can’t follow directions, I just always need to change something up, and pretty much always have to add pockets.  

For my bag, I chose to add the zip around pocket from the Airport Sling pattern in the “advanced” section.  This pocket is definitely the reason the Airport Sling is an advanced pattern, but it’s just such an awesome pocket!  It zips around the outside and has a pocket with card slots.  It’s like the Cadillac of pockets.

​The other change I made was to add a pocket to the strap.  This wasn’t something I planned on doing, it was pretty spur of the moment because I happened to have a perfect zipper for it and was feeling reckless, but it might be my favorite part now!  It ended up being not quite as functional as I had hoped after turning out the strap & top stitching (I did skip the second row of top stitching on the lower part of the strap to save as much space as possible), but it’s still perfect for chapstick, keys, or some change.

My only real complaint while working on this bag is that zippers are listed in the materials for what size to buy, but I wish it also gave the total zip length after the tabs are added in the pattern.  This may seem picky, but I don’t buy zippers specifically for certain projects, but just keep them on hand in a couple standard lengths & cut to size for what I need.  One part of the pattern called for a 14″ zipper, and to attach the zipper ends outside the stops.  Generally, when you buy a zipper, the length is the distance between the stops, but when you’re figuring in the size of the stops (which can be slightly different with different brands and styles of zips) that adds a bit of length too.  I know in the grand scheme of things it may not seem to matter, but that 1/4″-1/2″ difference can actually make a big difference when it comes to fitting a zipper around a curved piece. 

For example, I was putting in the zipper for the front pocket & did my best to guess at what my exact zipper length should be.  The first time I tried piecing in the zipper, I ended up with quite a bit extra at the bottom.  

I wasn’t sure if I had guessed wrong on getting my zipper length just right, or if I didn’t get it placed around the curve correctly.  If the total zipper length had been provided, I would have known right away that I just needed to rework the curve around the zipper to get it to fit instead of trying to figure out which of two things was my issue.  In the end I was able to reposition the zipper in the opening & get it to work, but my zipper still ended up wavier than I would have liked and I’m not sure if it’s because I just didn’t get it in there smooth or if it’s actually the incorrect length.  I’m sure I’m the only one who will notice, but it’s still a bit of a frustration. 

In the end, I really love how my bag turned out.  I already used it at the park earlier this week and it was perfect for a few essentials and super comfy when chasing the kids around.

Overall, I definitely recommend On the Go Bags.  I really enjoyed reading through it, working on this bag, and look forward to working on more projects from it.  I think first up will be the Hipster Pocket Scarf!

Thanks for having me, Reece!

Thanks so much Bree! I always love your fabric combos and this one is no exception! I really love your modifications too! 
If you’re just joining us now, make sure to go through the rest of the week’s reviews (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday) to get caught up.

Andrea from Stitcharmony joins me today to review Make Pincushions 12 Darling Projects to Sew.

For my very first review I chose Make Pincushions 12 darling projects to sew. 
Why did I choose this book? Well, I’ve been on Instagram now for just over 6 months and I am loving all the creativity, inspiration and support. If you sew like myself, part of the fun on Instagram is joining creative sewing swaps that are usually hosted by someone you may follow. The short of it is… you create something for someone and in the meantime someone is busy working creating something for you. It could be anything from a mini quilt, to a bag, etc… You get it right? 
If you are in a swap you may also want to create “extras” for your partner to add to your package. Being a sewing swap who wouldn’t need or want a pincushion? So I thought this would be the perfect book for me as I am always looking for fun quick gifts to add. 
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First off, I love ebooks. Don’t get me wrong, I do love books too, but ebooks are instant gratification as you just download and off you go!  No waiting for the truck from Amazon or stalking the delivery person. 
The layout of this book is great. It’s simple and very straight forward. I’m a visual learner so I love the small diagrams and photos that go along with each project. 
I find the book starts with the fairly easier projects then continues on to harder ones. 
The only thing with this ebook is you do need a online printer to print out some of the patterns in the book. So if you don’t have access to one you will not be able to create more than half of the projects in the book. 

I’m a work at home mum, I sew for a living and time is money.  So right off the bat, even though I was attracted to the embroidery projects, I decided to go with two simple ones. Why? Because I love simple quick patterns that have no pattern pieces to be printed, that you can literally just whip up, personalize and make your own. ​
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The two pincushions I chose were the Kaleidoscope pincushion by Jeni Baker AGF designer and the Boxy pincushion by Virginia Linsday of Gingercakes. Both of these projects took less then two hours total to complete, and they probably would have taken less time without interruptions (rare in my world)!

The Kaleidoscope pincushion calls for 18 different coloured 2″ squares. I did not have time to run downstairs to my solid stash and start mulling over colours so I went a different route. I chose my mochi linen dot bundle (magic number 18!) from the Fat Quarter Shop and just like that, an hour later I had my lovely rainbow mochi linen dot Kaleidoscope pincushion! I really enjoyed this pattern, it is so simple and so versatile that you really can make it your own. Maybe a small fun print or some Liberty floral? 

My next pincushion I chose to make was the Boxy Pincushion. This one I decided would possibly be created for the reason I chose the book in the first place…my current swap which has a beloved Heather Ross fabric theme. I decided on her coveted briar rose strawberries and gnome fabric. This was also a super quick make with lovely results. Also very versatile as you can fussy cut the covered button or add a wooden button instead. The possibilities are endless!

This book has some great simple projects for beginners to more experienced ones for the experts. 
It has a plethora of very talented authors with so many different projects that there really is something for everyone – from fabric, to felt, to embroidery. 
There are some very unique ones too where at first I thought, “who would make that?” 
But if you’re like me on Instagram joining all these fun swaps, who knows, you may just join that insect themed swap and just have to make that super cool ant pincushion!!! 

Some lucky swap partners Andrea has! Those adorable handmade pins are perfect for the pincushions too. If you’d like a copy of this book, you can find it here.

Click through the last 3 days (here, here, and here) to see the other sewing books that have been reviewed this week, and check back in tomorrow for the final book this week.

Umm wow! Each and every project is incredible! Thanks so much Natalie for sharing! 

Check out more of Natalie’s work and follow her blog at Hungry Hippie Sews. To get yourself a copy of Sew Illustrated, head on over to C&T Publishing and pick one up.

Check in again tomorrow for another book review, and head back to Monday and Tuesday’s posts if you missed them. I’d love to hear if you’ve read any of these.

Hi! I’m Crystal of the Cloth Albatross. I was so excited when Reece asked me to review a book for C&T Publishing. The biggest problem I had was choosing which book I wanted to get. C&T has several bag making books by awesome designers. A couple of their bag making books I had already purchased (On the Go Bags, and Zakka Style), so I went with one of the newer releases – Perfect Patchwork Bags by Sue Kim.

I was unfamiliar with Sue Kim, so I was excited to find out that she’s the designer behind ithinksew patterns. She has several bag patterns that I’ve always wanted to try but for some reason haven’t purchased yet (maybe because I have way too many patterns and not enough time to make them all). After making a pattern from her book, I definitely need to add some of her bag patterns to my collection. The Demelza Backpack might be first on my list.

Perfect Patchwork Bags includes 15 projects and I was unsure which one I was going to make. I narrowed it down to the Mackenzie Messenger Bag, the Chloe Bag, or the Scarlett Clutches.

The Mackenzie Messenger Bag is my favorite style of the 3, but I ended up going with the rectangular Scarlett Clutch. I chose the clutch pattern because love triangle piecing and didn’t have the proper hardware for the Mackenzie Messenger Bag. Really, it had nothing to do with me being lazy and choosing the easier project.

The Scarlett Clutch has 2 versions – a rectangular shaped clutch and a square clutch. I went with the classic rectangular shape but the square clutch is funky and different. One thing that I really like about the Perfect Patchwork Bags is that each project has several different bags made from the pattern, including one that’s not patchwork. Sometimes it’s hard to envision what a bag looks like without the added interest of patchwork, so it’s a big plus that she included pictures and the changes that need to be made to the pattern. This particular comparison (bottom right pic) is not the best because the fabric is Echino (a Japanese fabric that already looks like it has been pieced) but you can still tell that the clutch looks great without the piecing.

One of the great things about piecework on a project is that you can use fabrics that you love but don’t have enough of for a full project. It’s something that you can use up your scrap pile with or highlight smaller aspects in fabrics that don’t stand out as much when they’re part of the larger piece of fabric. For my clutch, I chose fabrics by Rashida Coleman-Hale of Cotton + Steel. I love her style and thought that these prints from two different collections (Mooonlit and Macrame) were fun together.

I made a couple of changes to the pattern. I only pieced the flap, rather than the whole body; and I didn’t use the accent piece on the bottom of the front flap. In hindsight, I prefer the way the clutch looks with the bottom trim on the flap but when I was putting it together, I did the bottom in vinyl, so I didn’t want to have the accent trim in the same material as my clutch body. Next time I would choose a complementary accent trim. This clutch would look good with a pink accent trim. I do like having the body in vinyl because it breaks up the piecing and doesn’t make the clutch so busy but next time I’ll definitely leave the accent trim on.

The lining I chose for the clutch is also from Rashida Coleman-Hale’s Macrame collection. The Scarlett Clutch’s flap closes with a magnetic snap and its main body closes with a zipper.

For pattern books, I prefer e-books over hardcopies of books because your pattern pieces are already digitized, so you don’t have to worry about scanning them in. In some pattern books, the pattern pieces are overlapped for different patterns but in this book, they’re all separate, which I really appreciate. I did have one issue with a line being incomplete on a pattern piece but it was within the seam allowance and was easy to see where the line was supposed to go. However, I emailed C&T about the issue and they responded within an hour saying that they would fix the digital download (and they didn’t even know I was writing a book review!). I was really impressed with the fast response. I didn’t expect to hear anything back until the next day at least.

Another reason that I chose this pattern book is because I was unfamiliar with the designer. I wanted to be able to look at the patterns with fresh eyes. It’s really easy to get used to a designer’s pattern writing style and skip over confusing bits by remembering how they’ve done things in previous patterns. I was very impressed by Sue Kim’s pattern writing style. I found the patterns easy-to-follow without being drawn out. Another great thing about this book is that you can use the piecing templates for piecing on bag patterns that you’ve made before but want to give a different look to. Conversely, I think all of the patterns in this book look great without piecing, so even if you’re not into the patchwork look, you might still enjoy Perfect Patchwork Bags.

Thank you so much Crystal! I always enjoy seeing your work! 

Remember to check back tomorrow for another sewing book review. If you missed yesterday’s, you can catch up here. 

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I received this eBook in exchange for an honest review. Some links in this post are my affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission on purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. All opinions expressed here are my own.

For my review, I chose Sew Organized for the Busy Girl, by Heidi Staples. I work full time outside of the home, I have little kids (and I’m also now officially a soccer mom), I sew, and I blog, among other things, so “busy” is a way of life for me. Anytime I can find ways to cut down on chaos and fit more into my day, I’m all over it, so when I saw this book, I just knew it was for me. The book has tips to get and stay organized, and plenty of projects to sew for when you’ve managed to fit in some sewing time.

My review copy is an eBook, but this book is available in the traditional book format as well.  I like the clutter-free aspect of eBooks: I flip through pages of eBooks in my sewing room, and have access to all of them without taking up any more space than my tablet. I also keep my sewing patterns on my tablet. This book doesn’t have any patterns to print so I don’t need a hard copy of anything. 

The layout of the book makes so much sense to me: it starts with finding out why we sew and what our different motivations may be, then moves on to how to create an organized space, and then how to carve out time for sewing. Once we learn about that, we move to the projects of the book. There are even some basic sewing tips at the end, since the projects offer a wide variety, it’s quite likely that you could learn a thing or two from the variety of techniques used throughout.

Heidi Staples is a sewing blogger and can be found on her blog Fabric Mutt.  I like that she talks about her real life in the book, and it helped me relate to what she was saying. We’re both busy moms just trying to squeeze in a little extra time for creating. Along with tips and projects from Heidi, there are questions answered by other “sew-lebrities” throughout the book, which I found fun and inspiring.  

There are tutorials for 23 projects in the book, and the variety of projects is great. There are pillows, bags, quilts and other home decor and useful projects. Most of the projects are fairly simple and come together quickly, and I enjoyed that there are many techniques used for them all. Some of the projects are more involved and I’d love to try one of the quilts (one day). As my first project from the book, I chose the Double-Zip Clutch. It’s a really versatile finished project and only took a couple hours. 

There are so many things you can do with this design: the book suggests using it as a stationery keeper, a diaper clutch, a beauty kit, and several other bright ideas.

It’s really adaptable too! I used mesh for the inner pockets instead of fabric, and used one of Emmaline Bags’ Half Moon Magnetic Edge Clasps on the flap. This may be my new go to for quick teacher gifts!

Overall, this is an enjoyable book to flip through, and pick up tips throughout. I found the tips to get organized weren’t revolutionary but they did serve as good reminders to me for habits that I should be forming. I have noticed that I’ve been more productive with my sewing since reading this book. One thing I particularly enjoyed from the tips was a focus on blogging as well. I didn’t realize the book would talk about blogging so it was a pleasant surprise. One theme I picked up on all through the book was that it’s ok if we’re not superwomen, and sometimes that permission to not do it all is so relieving.

The projects are for the most part fairly simple and quick. They would all make great gifts. I think the variety of projects is what makes this book a double winner. I love that there are hand-sewing projects, half-square triangles, zippers, and quilting for people to try out. I often hear someone saying they’re good at one type of sewing, but not at another, and I think this book offers those opportunities to branch out of our comfort zones.

Choose from book or eBook and pick up your copy today, just click here! I hope you enjoyed this review. Check back tomorrow for another sewing book to be reviewed.

p.s. I used the Lavish fabric collection by Katarina Roccella from Sitka Fabrics.

I’ve always had a passion for books. Once I started sewing, it was only natural that I love sewing books. C&T Publishing offers a host of sewing, quilting, and craft books. They also carry some fun and wonderful gifts, like temporary tattoos and and “quilty” pencils.  Many of the books from C&T are offered in both book and eBook formats.

I’ve called on some sewing friends to each review one book and share their review here with you. You’ll find reviews from Crystal of The Cloth Albatross, Bree of My Crafty Crap, Natalie of Hungry Hippie, Andrea of Stitcharmony, and myself.
We have some great variety in store for you and I hope you’ll find a new favourite! Starting Monday September 12, check in each day to find out about a different book. 

It’s back! The Mystery Fat Quarter weekend is here at Fabric Spark! Until October 2, all online orders over a yard will receive a mystery fat quarter. 

Hi everyone! Summer’s almost done, kids are heading back to school, and now maybe you’ll have a chance for a little bit of “me time” so this new free pattern will be perfect for you. I had a chance to test this latest pattern from Sewing Patterns by Mrs H. 

I found this pouch to be really quick and easy. The most time consuming part is sewing the elastic spots for your nail polishes or essential oils.

The pattern suggests using the Internal Wire Frames – Style C, available at Emmaline Bags (North America) and Bobbin Girl (UK). I used the frames for the first time and I was impressed that they withstood inserting into the channel, which had a few really tight spots. The frames also help the bag hold its shape when opened. Because the zipper extends past the frame channels, the bag opens nice a wide.

Don’t let the style and shape fool you: this is a big bag! It measures about 14″ wide and about 9″ tall. There’s a ton of room in there, and I actually like it as a chic evening clutch. One of the testers added full straps and turned it into a beautiful purse. You can really customize it so many ways to make it your own.

Did you spot my new labels? I got them custom made at Brickbubble. I highly recommend this small business, for excellent quality and service. I also used zipper ends from Emmaline Bags instead of making the zipper tabs (instructions in pattern for making zipper tabs).

This pattern has an overlay that is a perfect way to try out vinyl. I used the brown vinyl from Paccana and think the rich mottling of browns is a nice contrast to the peacock blue print I used from Hawthorne Threads. 

So go grab your free copy  and get started! 

I’m probably the odd one out here, but as a kid, I really looked forward to going back to school in the fall. Now as a parent, I notice my kids aren’t as excited as I was, but I still try to make the start of the school year a big deal. I find getting them involved in the process really helps: deciding what I’m making, picking the pattern, and picking the fabric. Are you adding some handmade love to your kids’ school routine this year? In most of Canada, we have almost 2 weeks left before they go back. I’ve gathered up some great projects that I think would work well for the school year.

The staple of back-to-school bags!

Here’s the Not-So-Tiny Explorer Backpack I made my son last year. You can read all the details in this post, but the gist is that I bought the Diedelbug Tiny Explorer PDF and followed the tutorial to expand the bag, making it the perfect size for most primary kids. These aren’t quick or cheap to make, but they last. My son is happy to be using this one again this year.

My other son has asked me to make him a backpack and after looking through many patterns, he’s set on the Sew Sweetness Cumberland Backpack. It comes in 2 sizes, so I’ll make him the small. I love the shape! 

This one would be great for a teenager who wouldn’t need to carry too much. It fits my iPad plus some extras. I remember as a teenager, a large backpack cramped my style a bit, so I only brought my big backpack if I knew I had a ton to carry. Otherwise, I would have loved one like this, with just enough room for the essentials. The Calla Convertible Backpack from Blue Calla can also be worn as a purse, just move the straps to the front and carry on your shoulder! Don’t forget to use the exclusive discount for Happy Okapi readers OKAPI10 to save 10% on any Blue Calla pattern.

Don’t forget to eat! Lunch Bags are one of my favourite things to make; probably because they’re something practically everyone can use, and they’re fairly quick to make. I make mine insulated and I find the insulation works really well to keep foods cool all day long.

I made this fun, framed lunch bag with fabrics designed by Jackie McFee. The pattern allows for several different prints and I thought these fun flowers, chevrons and dots were perfect. You can find the pattern, and required frames from Emmaline Bags. It’s a really great size and allows for a full lunch with all your reusable containers.

This is actually a set of PDF patterns. I made the rounded zip top one last year, and it’s such a cute shape that my son has requested one this year. Head over to the Sew Sweetness site to see the other bags in the set.

My very first tutorial was for a lunch bag and I actually just retired the one made in this tutorial, to make room for another of the same design, but with a new print. These ones are so quick to make and have lots of room for containers, water bottle and ice pack.

These are so quick to make; it probably takes longer to decide on a pattern and print!

This pattern is in Handmade Style by Anna Graham of Noodlehead. I made this one in another fabric collection from Jackie McFee, this time is classic black and white with a pop of yellow from the zipper. If you’re pressed for time but want to get a quick sew in, this is a great project. The binding makes it so fast and best of all: no hand sewing!  

I made this large Sew Sweetness Filigree Double Zip Pouch, which works as a cosmetics pouch, but there’s no reason it couldn’t be used for pencils and other supplies. The pattern offers 3 sizes, so you could make one of each! 

Sew Sweetness also offers this boxy version of a double zippered pouch, which looks to be perfect for school supplies. 

Back to school doesn’t always mean loaded up with text books. So many students heading back to campus leave the books and bring the tech!

This Messenger bag pattern is so versatile and I’ve seen many in masculine prints, making it perfect for boys and men.

This laptop bag from Sara Lawson’s book Windy City Bags is on my must-try list. I think the unique design makes it so functional, yet stylish. I also like that it’s easily unisex.

The Lilium Laptop Bag looks like a fancier take on the traditional messenger bag, and made with enough padding to protect your device.

I made this Tablet Shoulder Bag from the On-The-Go Bags book; this pattern is from Sara Lawson. I like that it looks like a purse, but it actually carries your tablet! There’s a padded pocket inside to protect your device, plus plenty of room for a notebook and pencil case. I used yet another Jackie McFee collection of fabrics for this bag. I think the mint and grey colour combo is both trendy and sophisticated, plus the geometric prints remind me of DNA, taking me right back to my college days.

Here are a few projects that didn’t fit into the other categories but they’re great to have and worthy of a share.

I made this North Pond Notebook Cover from Radiant Home Studios (and you can read more about it here) as a cover for my bird journal, and I love the idea of covering a notebook for each class. 

I’ve made several of these Sew Sweetness Creative Maker Supply Cases, and they really are great to have. You can customize the case so easily too! Any art student would be thrilled to have their supplies so nicely laid out and available. The pattern comes in 3 sizes: the small is perfect for a child’s crayons and small colouring book (pictured below right). If you like the idea of the Creative Maker Supply Case, but think you need more storage, check out it’s fully-loaded big brother version, the Ultimate Art Organizer. 

You may have seen me post about this bag recently. I made the medium duffel for my son, and I think it would work for a gym bag for an athletic teen, with plenty of room for some books and lunch. Check this post for all the details.

Well, after compiling this round-up, I’ve concluded that Sara Lawson of Sew Sweetness must love back-to-school as much as I do. How about you? Are you doing any special sewing for this time of year? 

I was ordering some fabric from Fabric Spark the other day and had a quick look around the site while I was there, and came across these adorable pirates from Makower. I had no idea what I would use them for, but as a typical fabric addict, I quickly talked myself into the purchase, figuring I may as well throw in a half yard because I’m paying for shipping anyway.  

They arrived pretty quickly and as I was gazing at the fabric, an idea popped into my head. Don’t you just love it when that happens?! I decided to make them into bean bags and create a tic tac toe game with them. The x’s would be the skull and cross bones, and the o’s would be the pirate faces, or “aarrgh’s” if you channel your inner pirate.

This was such a quick project. The white border is 1/2″ wide, so it left a 1/4″ seam allowance for each bag. I made sure to pair up one skull and cross-bones with one pirate face for each bag, and made 10 bags, enough for either team to win.

Originally, I was going to use actual dried beans, as I’ve done with previous bean bags, but I had visions of my outdoor loving boys sneaking the pirates outside and ending up with stinky bags, so I decided to opt for the poly pellets. I used my 50% off coupon at Michael’s for a 2lb bag, and it was well under $10, with lots left over.

For the board, I used a foam core board (again, from Michael’s with a coupon), and washi tape.

The game was such a hit! My boys refuse to call out “Aaaarrgh!” when they win, but that doesn’t stop me. Of course, you can make your own set with any 2 different ideas, but the pirates came in the perfect size, already measured, making it extra easy. Once they were done with tic tac toe, they set up some buckets for a bean bag toss and I was so pleased that they found a double duty for the project.

My son went to a summer day camp earlier this month and each day he needed to bring a towel and change of clothes, plus a few extras. It was a tight squeeze in his Not-So-Tiny Explorer, so I decided to quickly make him a Dallas. I asked around the internet and determined that the medium would be the right size for him (he’s 7). Since I decided fairly last minute, I skipped the exterior and interior zippered pockets to save some time. I chose Libs Elliott’s True Love fabric from Sitka Fabrics, and love that it turned out to be gender neutral and fun. If you are looking for a quick sew for an overnight or weekend bag, Dallas is a great choice!