I’m totally feeling the about-to-be-summer vibes. Fableism Fabrics had generously sent over some of their fabric that I was admiring. So this Checkmate Mini Making Backpack was something I couldn’t resist making!

Fabric and pattern pairing

I honestly had a hard time deciding what to make. Not only are all the colors of their Checkmate Checkers fabric collection beautiful, but I couldn’t pick a pattern either! I toyed around with making a Firefly Tote or a Redwood Tote, but in the end a little summer backpack won out.

I grabbed so many options for fabrics! When I was narrowing down my picks, this denim won out. I love how it pairs with the Checkmate.

Lining and an Add-on

For the lining of this cutie I used Fableism’s upcoming Sun Stripes in Poolside! And if that wasn’t enough, I figured the Sun Stripes Desert Clay would make a pretty cute interior binding. I also found this webbing in my stash that pulls out the colors really well. It’s Zipper Zoo’s Camel Brown color and I’m glad I found a project to use it for! I ended up making the little add on snap for the handles just because. It’s a pretty easy little add-on!

I’m hoping one of my daughters or one of their friends will claim this one. It’s the perfect summer travel companion.

Project Details:

• Pattern: Making Backpack (mini size with original front pocket)
• Fabrics:
  • Light Indigo Washed 8 oz. Denim by Robert Kaufman Fabrics
  • Pocket is Checkmate Checkers in Royal by Fableism Fabrics
  • Lining is Sun Stripes in Poolside by Fableism, binding is also Sun Stripes in Desert Clay
• I used Emmaline Bags medium-weight fusible woven interfacing on the exterior pieces (got a little thick, but still doable on a regular machine.
• Webbing is from Zipper Zoo
• Zipper is from Sullivan’s Trim
• Leather patch, hardware and other webbing colors available in my shop!

A couple of weeks ago was the H+H Americas trade show in Chicago. I wish I could have gone! May is always the hardest time to take away from my family so I didn’t end up going. I did however agree to sew up some samples for the Moda Fabrics booth using a few of my patterns. This Boho Haven Oxbow Tote (Regular size) was one of them!

Quilting the Main Panels

I really love how a little bit of quilting makes this bag! Plus, it’s still soft and makes using quilting cotton perfect for this tote (you can use lots of other fabrics, too like waxed canvas or cotton canvas of course). Check out my video on YouTube where I show how I quilt mine! As I’ve done in the past, I layered two layers of batting per side of the bag. Cutting the fabrics a few inches larger overall. I did a simple 2″ grid on both exterior pieces and then trimmed them to the pattern piece. And on from there!
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Boho Haven fabric collection

The Boho Haven collection by Fancy That Design House is so beautiful. It’s due to arrive in shops in January 2026. So be sure to ask your local quilt shop! I love the colors and think it’ll be a hit for sure!

Project Details:

• Pattern: Oxbow Tote (Regular size), pattern available in my shop
• Fabric is Boho Haven by Fancy That Design House for Moda Fabrics
• Strap hardware, webbing, and zippers available in my shop too if you need them!

This past week was the H+H Americas trade show in Chicago. I wish I could have gone! May is always the hardest time to take away from my family. I did however agree to sew up some samples for the Moda Fabrics booth. This Paper Cuts 2 Trail Tote turned out so cute and springy!

Ruby Star Canvas

This is the bigger of the two sizes included in my Trail Tote pattern. Rashida Coleman Hale designed this gorgeous canvas as part of her upcoming Paper Cuts 2 collection with Ruby Star Society (coming January 2026). It comes in a few more colorways of canvas (perfect for bag making!) as well as some really cute coordinating quilting cottons. Be sure to ask your local quilt shop for it!

Piping & Strap

I’ve always loved working with the Ruby Star canvas; it is a great weight, and there are usually at least two to three designs in most Ruby Star collections. The other fabrics used in this sample are all Moda quilting cotton. The strap and piping is made from a quilter’s linen and has a subtle design on it (I’ll have to check the selvage and will put a link here!). Be sure to check out my step by step piping tutorial for my favorite way to make piping. I also have the cord I use for it available in my shop!

The lining is a beautiful print by Fancy That Design House called Boho Haven. I love a good rust color and this is a gorgeous print that comes in a couple of colorways, too. It’s part of a beautiful collection coming to shops in January 2026 I believe!

Project Details

• Pattern: Trail Tote (Large size) available in PDF and paper formats in my shop
• Fabric:
  • Exterior: Paper Cuts 2 Canvas by Rashida Coleman Hale for Ruby Star Society
  • Lining: Boho Haven by Fancy That Design House for Moda Fabrics (check your local quilt shop in January 2026!)
  • Accent: will link here when I find out! 🙂
• Get the following supplies from my shop:
  • 6″ zipper* (for Small size)
  • 8″ zipper* (for Large size)
  • cording for making piping
  • strap hardware kit (1″-wide for the Small OR 1.5″-wide for the Large)
  • magnetic snaps OR take it to the next level and use a Loxx fastener
  • waxed cord or leather zipper pulls for that special finishing touch!