Pretty soon it will be back to school time.  That means time for school supplies and a backpack.  Your sophisticated teenager may not be a fan of a homemade backpack, but the younger set sure will appreciate a special, one-of-a-kind, ‘made just for them’ backpack. 

The Chelsea Tote is versatile – it can be an over one shoulder bag, or you can unzip the strap and it becomes a traditional backpack.  An oversize pocket on the outside can hold those items that might be needed in a hurry. 

Celine Perkins, of Perkins Dry Goods, says this lined bag is unbeliveable simple to make.  With one pocket inside and one outside, the Zola Backpack is handy, too.  The drawstring top is easy to open and close.

The Mack Messenger is loaded with features: a quick grab handle at the top, adjustable straps, a front zippered pocket, split interior pockets with split pen/pencil slots, and secure magnetic snap closures.  A clean design, it has lots of room to show off a favorite fabric.

The book, Be-Bop Backpacks, offers 8 variations on a backpack.  You can personalize it to fit the personality of the wearer.  Use applique, paper piecing, patchwork… whatever strikes your fancy.  Then do it again another way!

Do you know a pre-schooler? or a toddler? Then you know they just love to carry things around.  Important things, like their current best stuffed friend, favorite book, or maybe even a snack.  And to put it all in a bag that they can carry themselves makes them feel pretty cool.  Totpacks are very easy to sew and they’ll get plenty of much-loved use.

When you are finished sewing for everyone else, check out the rest of the backpack patterns – you’ll probably see one that you’d like to make for yourself!

A friend recently told me that she wished her mother had taught her to sew, not just so that the knowledge of sewing would be with her now, but also so those memories would be available to cherish.  My friend wants to teach her daughters to sew; she’s now learning to sew and quilt so she can do exactly that.  I’m sure she and her daughters will make some wonderful memories along with their sewing projects.  My friend may have to wait a couple years before her girls are old enough to start but she is looking forward to it!  

If you have a daughter, summer is a great opportunity to take some time with your daughter and sew together.  

This reversible Double Fun Skirt would be a good pattern to start with… it’s very quick to put together.  Imagine how fun it will be for her to be able to wear her first sewing project. 

Bloom Where You’re Planted is a wonderful mini quilt project that will give a youngster a chance to really play at the art of quilting.  While you are both “playing”, you can talk about the advice in the name of the quilt…. a great life lesson.

Totally Awesome Mini-Tote is a fun, practical pattern that offers a challenge or three for a new sewer.  Guide her through adding a pocket, installing a zipper, and putting in a snap closure.  Then enjoy her pride each time she uses the tote!

It doesn’t matter what pattern you choose or what fabrics you use, the real point is spending the time sharing the craft.  Long ago, I took an after-school class and learned to sew an apron and a blouse.  My two older sisters help me finish each of the projects.  I don’t remember the class at all, but I have wonderful memories of stitching with each of my sisters.

Who doesn’t love teddy bears?! They give us a warm squishy feeing inside and a sense of security…. and they make us smile! 

My Three Bears measures 43″ x 53″ and would make a perfect baby or toddler quilt.  A little one can cuddle with three favorite friends instead of just one!  Adjust the colors of the patchwork portion to coordinate with the nursery colors.

Do you have a fondness for the Bear’s Paw Block?  Bears And Paws is an oversized nine patch layout with trios of bears and Bear’s Paw blocks.  A couple of mischevious bears have escaped to the outer border.  This fun quilt works as a crib quilt or as a wall hanging in the baby’s room.

Merry Beary is a 20″ jointed teddy bear all dressed up in a Santa outfit, complete with a Santa bag.  Instant Christmas personality for any room!

This is so cute – a quilt poem!  Teach your grandchild the poem that goes with the quilt “pictures” and it will be a treasured childhood memory…

Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear turn around, touch the ground, show your shoe, that will do.  Go up the stairs, say your prayers, turn out the light, say good night.

Patterns for pillows and seven quilts are included in this book by Linda Hohag.  The Alphabears can be used to make an alphabet cute or use them to spell out a child’s name, or a verse, or a special message.   Easy piecing and both traditional and fusible applique methods are used for these projects.

Go ahead, find a bear to fall in love with and commence sewing some comfort!

Sometimes you need a break from quilting.  Just a short one, mind you!  But long enough to make something different.  How about some clothes for the little ones in your life?

Most little girls love to wear skirts, at least some of the time.  They will like these skirts twice as much!  The Double Fun Skirt is totally reversible.  Use coordinating fabrics for sisters and make the reversible side completely different.  Add some trim.  Have some fun!  Sizes 1 – 4T

Twirl Top and Pants has a retro look with the wide pants and ruffles everywhere.  With all the ruffles and “twirl-ability” it will appeal to all the girly-girls you know.   Sizes 1 – 4T

Easy Pieces Jumper is made with large pieces of coordinating fabric.  The jumper is  a short one.  It can be worn as a top over shorts or pants.   The skirt has lots of fullness for twirling.  Sizes 1 – 4T

Start with a T-shirt to make short work of the Garden Party Dress.   Just straight seams and fusible web.   EASY!  FUN! And sure to be LOVED! Toddler sizes 4 – 6.

 Another T-shirt based dress.  Ric-rac trim on the pockets and around the neckline add some pizazz to the Sweet Tee dress for your little Sweet Pea.  Toddler sizes 4 - 6.

The Children’s Quilt Patterns section not only has quilt patterns, but also lots more patterns for kid’s and baby’s clothes, plus plenty of patterns for fun things like crayon holders, animal towels, puppets, blanket buddies and more.  You’ll also find patterns for practical items like clutter catchers, bibs and a variety of grow charts.

The summer isn’t long enough for it all!