Frog Prince backpack

Remember that Queen of Hearts backpack that I sewed for Elora’s friend in June? This Saturday her younger sister is celebrating her 4th birthday, and I am guessing that she would love to have a backpack like her big sister. Here we go again!

I did consider making another heart backpack, because that was quite a success, but my curiosity to try something new won out. That’s when I was struck with the idea to look through my orphan blocks. I found this English paper pieced block languishing in my orphan block bin. It totally deserves to become something real, something loved. That little frog is one of my favorite Heather Ross prints.

So, how to use an EPP block? First I removed all the EPP papers. Then I pressed the seam allowances of the block perimeter out and open. Next I trimmed the shape into a simple hexagon and lastly machine pieced it with the green background fabric to create the desired rectangular shape.

Once I had transformed the English Paper Pieced shape into a nice rectangle, it was short work to finish it as a drawstring backpack. Use SOTAK Handmade’s free drawstring bag pattern to make one of your own.

Have fun choosing lining fabrics and the casing fabric for the top of the bag. These little details make the backpack extra fun to use (and sew).

I’m quite happy with how it turned out! Now I have a few days to enjoy it hanging in my sewing room before it goes on to its new home.

Happy birthday, Madeleine!