Cowboy Back pack for Kenton

Don't remember when I bought this kit for a small backpack.

Sweet DIL asked for a bag for our youngest grandson.

I remembered this unopened kit and started working on it for his first birthday. 

I have made 3 Wren Weekender Bags from VFT and have learned a few things about bag construction.

The pattern calls for a continuous middle zipper section but I had a different idea.

I read the instructions several times but didn't really understand how to sew in the lining.

I used double fold bias binding to attach the lining and I like how it turned out.

I resized the pattern to add a couple of inches to the width and length.

I also changed the bottom to a flat, boxy style instead of the curved one in the pattern.

I added tabs with D rings at both ends of the zipper.

The rings are handy if there are items to be clipped on the outside of the bag.

Notice I forgot to topstitch one side of the zipper panel. Oops!

The appliqué is fused on and stitched around the raw edge.

Front and zipper panel finished.

Inside the bias tape was sewn on after the two pieces are attached to cover the raw seam.

I thought I could skip all the repeated sewing of the same area but it didn't work.

I guess all the stitching will make for stronger seams.

I clipped the curves and trimmed a little in some places.

The pattern called for 1/2 inch seam allowance but I sewed about a 3/8 inch seam.

Inside out before the bottom piece was added.

Finished back with padded straps before the bottom was sewn on.

The webbing is dark brown-looks black in the photo.

Finished front without bottom.

I thought about ways to sew the bottom without extra bulk in the corners and decided to cut

square notches on the corners of the front, back, and sides.

Then I stitched each side.

Last step was sewing on the bias binding.

I ran into trouble sewing through all the thickness, thought I had broken something in my sewing machine.

Rethreaded, changed the tension, finally called a halt in frustration.

After stepping away for a day, I was successful in binding the last bit.

I will need to hand sew around the corners.

There was just no way to sew through all the thickness even with the corners cut out.

Above is the finished cowboy backpack.

Below I added ribbon to the zipper pull.

One last pic - I love the binding covering the raw edges and holding the lining in place.

Very tailored look.

Next project is a little Halloween wall hanging.

What are you making this week?