The cutest darn book bags a kid could want

Several of our wee friends have had birthday's recently. Some were turning 5. I love to be able to make gifts as often as possible, especially when you have 8 birthdays in one month.

One item I have been making a lot is a book bag. At our school, and many others around our region, the children are asked to bring a book bag along to carry their reader and homework books to and from school. It keeps everything neat and also gives parents a place to find that important notice and reading homework. Of course you can purchase these book bags at stationary outlets but imagine the specialness of having a one of a kind.

Here are a few of them:

The book bags are really simple to make - Its essentially 4 rectangles of fabric (two outer, two inner) and a zip at the top.

I cut my outer pieces to 12 1/2 inches x 14 1/2 inches once I have joined the two co ordinating fabrics. I cut the lining fabric to the same size.

I use a 35 cm zip so that it is longer than the top edge of the book bag. Then I am able to just sew across the zip when I sew up the entire bag, making it an easy and painless zip to put in.

This is a great way to use up scraps or to purpose buy for a special wee one you know.

Happy sewing everyone!

Chevron Baby Blanket

Hello!
I just love crochet and I just love new babies. I also love to combine the two and make baby blankets.
My favourite wool to work with is 4 ply baby merino. I usually like to use a bigger hook than 4 ply traditionally uses because I find that it gives a very delicate, vintage shawl type look. A look I like. It is also a very nice weight for summer babies. I used a 5.5 mm hook.

Late last year a dear friend of mine in the UK annouced that she was expecting her first baby. A wee surprise. I had seen a lovely chevron pattern in a recent Crochet magazine and decided to give it a crack. The actual pattern I purchased from Etsy in the end. I crochet with UK crochet and this is in US so I just went through and converted all the dc to tr and I was away.

The pattern calls for changing the colours every two rows. I decided to do it every four to make a larger chevron and I am very pleased with the results.

Here is the finished product.

The blanket measures about 46 x68 cm - just little enough for capsule, bassinette or pram. It is in neutral colours so will suit either a wee pink baby or a wee blue baby. I love the wee detailed edging - little bobble type bumps along the top and bottom edges.

This pattern is really easy to follow once you work out the repeating pattern. I urge any intermediate crocheter to give it a go. To make a bigger blanket, double or triple the foundation chain length.

A very very clever friend of mine has made this pattern in rainbow colours and it is simply stunning.

The winter is fast approaching and my crochet hook is being put to work much more that the darker evenings are around. What have you got planned for your winter crafting? Happy crocheting everyone. A x