range backpack

Welcome to finish it up Friday!

I sewed this project during the summer, so it's actually been done for a couple of months, but I'm eager to share it with you today. The pattern is called the Range Backpack by the amazingly talented Anna of Noodlehead. (The PDF pattern is available for purchase here.) Of all of the things that I've made, this is probably the project at the top of the list that makes me want to exclaim, "I actually made this!!!!" Hahaha!

The pattern calls for waxed canvas, which I ordered from AL Frances on Etsy. I used spring green and a blue denim for the exterior of my bag. I got the hardware kit from Anna. (It's SO handy that she stocks them...saves a lot of time and trouble trying to track everything down.) I had never used waxed canvas before, so I was quite nervous to sew with it, but it went well! It's fun to expand one's sewing horizons. Also, it's nice to have some hand holding and direction while doing it. Ha! The hardest part of the whole project for me was when it came time to turn the bag right side out. I didn't want to crumple the canvas....even though that's the whole point. The canvas gets better with age and with use. Breaking it in will be a challenge for me, I'm certain!

As for the actual construction, I did that at a retreat with a few of my friends. 6 of us made our own version of the backpack, each one reflecting their own taste and style. It was super fun to do the project together AND to get a group photo of all of our backpacks.

I LOVE Anna's patterns because they produce such professional looking finished products. Every single time!! As soon as my kids saw it, each one of asked me if I would make them one. That's a good sign of success, I would say! I loved making it....and I felt a great sense of accomplishment when I finished. SO thankful to have been a part of the backpack party that we had at retreat.

Switching gears a little bit....my oldest boy turned 17 yesterday! I'm having a hard time processing exactly how that happened. He requested carrot cake for his birthday, which I was happy to make for him.  Having leftover cake for breakfast is a good way to start a Friday!

I picked this book up from the library a few weeks ago and I've tried 8 recipes from it so far (including the carrot cake recipe)... there is not a dud in the bunch! I can't recommend it enough!

I thought it would be fun to do a little giveaway today! It's been awhile! If you would like to win a PDF copy of Anna's pattern for the Range Backpack, I will pick one lucky winner from the commenters today. I'd like to thank each and every one of you for stopping by my blog and reading. It really, truly means so much!

Now it's your turn! Please link up your finishes for the week. Thank you, as always, for joining me for finish it up Friday!