Grab your backpack!

Clara's first love is Elmo, but Dora is her favorite show to watch (thank goodness for Netflix!) She used to say that she wanted to watch "packpack!" She gets very excited when Dora's backpack comes on and sings her song (did you backpack is a girl? I guess she just has a very masculine voice.) Anyway, here's the (almost) finished product. It was midnight when I took these beautiful pictures and I didn't iron her or finish sewing up the hole I used to turn the lining right side out. Her face is made of felt with blanket stitching around the edges. I didn't have any heat-n-bond so embroidery will have to do.

Backpack was made from an XL purple corduroy shirt I found for a buck (I know... It wasn't 25 cents. It hurt me to spend that much too!) I just drew my own pattern.

I love upcycling clothes. Not only is it cheap, but I love trying to work in the existing elements into the project. I was able to use the front pocket as the "star pocket" as well as the button strip to make adjustable straps!

Star pocket! I made stars out of felt, but neglected to measure first. 

 

Map pocket! I honestly would live life much happier if I never had to hear "I'm the map, i'm the map, I'M THE MAP!" again, but you can't have Dora's backpack without a map!

 

Forest! Gate! Grandma's House! (And yes, it's pink. Hehe)  

This was the project this morning... ALL MORNING! I really wanted the grumpy old troll, but seriously?! How do you make him out of felt??? Walmart was out of tan felt so Map's face will just have to wait until later. That is if I decide that I'm in the mood for more hand embroidery. Probably not.

Really though, this was a fun and simple project. I hope Clara likes it!