Penguin Backpack

 Today is my son's first day of pre-school year 2 (he is on the three year pre-school plan since he has a November birthday).  Thursday I thought I would call the school and see if he needed anything.  Last year he just needed a change of clothes.  But this year I was told that he needed a backpack and slippers.  Well I ordered the cutest slippers on Zappos and they arrived the next day.  I knew when I heard he needed a backpack that I really wanted to make him the Penguin Backpack from Oliver and S Little Things to Sew.  I was just a little worried that it was above my skill level and that I wouldn't get it done in time.  But I finished it just in time (last night) and actually thought the pattern was not that tricky after all.  

I used a lightweight blackish denim from Joann's.  It has 1 % spandex so it has a little stretch so I had to interface all of it.  I had a difficult time finding main fabric that I like.  There was a thicker solid black with no stretch but I really wanted it to look textured.  I didn't have anything in my scraps that I liked for the beak or belly pocket (hard to believe).  So I bought some DS quilting cotton at Joann's.   I was only able to find one inch strap adjusters at Joann's (and I did not have time to shop around) so I made one inch straps.

 I finished it last night when it was getting dark and then we kind of barely made it to school on time this morning so this is it for pictures.  I will try to get some up close ones later since I love the beak and belly pocket fabrics.  And Luke loves it too.  He actually announced his love for it when he saw the outer bag finished.  It made me very happy especially since he is pretty honest.  I am so proud of him and I feel pretty proud of myself for making this.  I wasn't sure I could do it and was concerned that I would be at Target late last night looking at backpacks. 

I am linking up at Sew Cute Tuesday at Better Off Thread.