Such an exciting day for me to be able announce that my first PDF pattern is about to be released! I had been working away on another pattern when the opportunity to submit a pattern to be published in the upcoming issue of One Thimble Digital Sewing Magazine arose. With an “INTERGALACTIC” theme to Issue 24 the “Planetary Backpack” jumped the pattern development queue!
In my mind’s eye the bag is an alien planet landscape with mountain (turn pocket) and moon filled sky. A perfect backpack for all budding astronauts, and pretty handy as a day to day bag for those in command too.
Not long after signing up to develop the pattern for the Issue 24 deadline the Corona Virus turned our own world upside down. Normally I’m an architect by morning, herding the children by afternoon and a late night sewing addict. Like the rest of the planet our daily routine was thrown into disarray. I was no longer sure if getting this pattern ready for the issue deadline was going to be achievable but I decided to give it my best shot.
When I had the pattern prepared to a point where I could call for testers I knew that I would be asking for a short testing timeframe. I hoped that there might be some people out there who would be interested in testing and crazy enough to take it on during these already challenging times. I am so grateful to everyone who applied and even more grateful to the team of testers who put me and the pattern through our paces over the course of an intense couple of weeks.
After only a few days of testing I was thrilled to see all the test backpacks appearing within the testing group. It is quite incredible to see other people’s take on your design, bringing their own style and imagination to the pattern. I am so privileged to have such a great team test my first pattern. Have a peek at some of their amazing Planetary Backpacks and click to check out more of their amazing work!
It was unanimously agreed within the testing group the pattern is a Confident/Advanced Beginner level; a few challenges in there – mainly due to having to handle multiple layers of fabric/strapping – but nothing you can’t handle! It is my hope that the comprehensive pattern tutorial will provide enough guidance to anyone with a bit of sewing experience behind them to feel confident in tackling this project. See an extract from the tutorial below:
The Planetary Backpack is a relaxed drawstring backpack with a top cover flap and an easy access outer front pocket. A midsized backpack (approximate finished internal dimensions: 370mm (14 ½ inches) tall x 420mm (16 ½ inches) wide) perfect for a trip to the park or to carry all the essentials needed for your little one’s first trip to outer space!
The pattern comes in A4/Letter format for home printing along with an A0 file for copy shop printing and a layered projector file also!
To celebrate the release of the pattern on 16th May in Issue 24 of One Thimble I will soon be hosting some exciting giveaways over on Facebook and Instagram, so be sure to follow to be in with the chance to win some planetary goodies!
Creating this first pattern was a steep learning curve, a lot of work but a true labour of love. I can’t wait to hear what you think of it and look forward to getting my next pattern up and running!
One Thimble has exclusive rights to the pattern for the next month or so, after that it will be available to purchase as a stand alone pattern through my ETSY shop The In Complete Stitch – where all my future patterns will also be found!
If you would like to keep in touch and hear about future pattern releases, testing opportunities and grand plans here at In Complete Stitches please sign up to my newsletter or follow me over on Instagram and Facebook! xx Sarah.
