Backpacks always make me think of adventure and exploration. They make me want to go outside, and also remind me what it's like to have that childlike sense of wonder once again. Don't you remember that feeling, the excitement you got from putting on a backpack when you were a kid? It came from knowing you were going to do something fun. You were going to be away from home for a while, which was an adventure, so your backpack was packed in preparation. That excitement, that's what backpacks remind me of and make me yearn for. It's easy to lose that as adults; we have busy lives, checklists to complete, but what I try to remind myself is that it's important to play every once in a while. It's important to experience new things and places, to take yourself on mini adventures, whether that be to a library or the trail behind your house. When you put on a backpack, slip the straps over your shoulders, your body knows that you're about to go somewhere, you're about to do something different, experience something different, and that excitement begins to grow. Seek good food and experiences with loved ones. Seek knowledge and nature. Seek places you've never been before, and don't forget your backpack. 

I have a few different kinds of backpacks for the different types of activities I participate in. One of the great things about backpacks is that there are many different kinds out there, all with different purposes. I have my backpack for backpacking, overnight hiking in the wilderness. This is the biggest backpack I own, one I'm very attached to because it accompanied me on my first backpacking trip in Zion National Park. We have backpacks for travel, for school, for fashion, and then there are the ones that fall somewhere in-between, beautiful and multifunctional, that's the Making Backpack. It's both lovely to look at while also being large enough and comfortable enough to be used in a variety of ways. And best of all, since you're making it, you can choose fabrics that will embody how you want this item to be a part of your life and your adventures.

Sewing a backpack may seem like a bit of a feat, and, yes, I will admit that it's quite a project. BUT, don't let that put you off from going for it! If you've been considering this project, and feel a little unsure about it, I'd encourage you to do it, and take it little by little. I like to think of each item I make as a journey; some are longer and more challenging than others; all are worth it in the end. 

One of my favorite things about being a maker is that we're part of an item's life from the very beginning, the dreaming up, to the end, using it in our lives, and creating memories together. This is a topic I like to explore sometimes on my blog, especially when it comes to the really special things. I find projects that take the longest and are the most challenging to be the ones that mean the most to me. Do you ever finish something and love it so much you want to burst? You've put so much work, time, and care into it, you think, this is something I'll have forever. This is something worthy of passing on to a loved one somewhere down the line. That's how it felt for me with this backpack. And if that's something you seek with your making, I'd highly recommend this project. 

The Making Backpack by Anna Graham is from Making No. 5 / COLOR and can be found on pages 36-43. The fabric I used for the exterior is our Fray Print Fabric from Making No. 6 / BLACK & WHITE, the interior is Kona cotton from my local Joann Fabrics, the hardware kit is from Noodlehead, and the leather cording tied to the zipper pull is from Purl Soho in the color Warm Millet. In the second post on this backpack, I'm sharing my sewing notes and tips. Next week, I'll talk all about zippers, and finally, I'll be sharing a tutorial for making your own bias tape! - Emily