Background
This backpack was made during my Materials and Processes class which is focused on introducing us to materials we may not be familiar with. One of the most important is fabrics and making sure we have some knowledge about sewing processes. This project was not my first time using a sewing machine; but it was by far the most complicated construction I have experienced.
Process
For this project we were given a pattern made by our instructor and from that pattern we are supposed to create a backpack, the materials are supposed to be second hand either purchased from a thrift store or from our own closets. I chose to go the thrift store route and was thrilled to find a brown corduroy jacket with suede leather detailing. I decided to dye the corduroy material once I had deconstructed the jacket into it’s materials; I did this to increase the contrast of the material with the suede details I would be reincorporating later on.
Once the fabric was dyed I began the process of cutting out all of my pieces for the backpack and assembling them, during the assembly I found that the material alone was not sturdy enough for my liking on it’s own so I cut out a lining for the bag from the lining that was in the jacket. That lining was then attached giving my bag more structure and a more finished interior.
Summary
This project really improved my skills with a sewing machine and expanded my mind to the possible uses of fabric in future projects. I also really enjoyed the ability to customize the materials that I was using and to experiment with dying fabrics.