Capri Sun Backpack

Inspired by the Capri Sun wallets I made a few years ago, I decided to take on a bigger project to use up more of my Capri Sun pouches (though I don't regularly drink them -- they've actually taken a while to collect because I have to casually ask other people for their garbage when I see them drinking a pouch).

This project used 15 pouches and is completely sewn by hand. It took about 2 weeks to make (30 hours?).

 

I sewed 6 pouches together (3x2) for the front and back. I cut and sewed 2 pouches together for a front pocket, using excess from the front and back pieces to make triangles to expand the pocket. I cut 3 pouches in half lengthwise and sewed them together (1x3) with a 14" green zipper for the top. I sewed 4 pouches together (1x4) for the bottom of the pouch.

I wanted to line the backpack with some kind of sturdy fabric -- originally, I thought of using old canvas bags. My roommate had an old Jansport backpack she didn't want anymore because the large zipper was broken, so I cut it up to use for my backpack. I kept the smaller front pouches intact because the pouch was the same size as my backpack; I decided to sew this piece to the inside front of my backpack to have some secret pockets. I cut up the back of her backpack (foam and fabric) to add a sturdy and comfortable lining to the bottom and back of my backpack.

The backpack is pretty sturdy and is the perfect day-pack size for a festival or event. I feel like a preschooler when I wear it, but I'm glad I can sport some recycled materials in my outfits.

<3 Mandy

Upcycled Tea Cozy

My roommate wanted a tea cozy for her glass tea pot, and I wanted an excuse to crochet. I didn't have any yarn with me at school, so we decided to upcycle an old scarf of hers to have yarn for the tea cozy.

I undid the scarf and used the purple yarn to crochet my own pattern. I made a rectangle that fit around the teapot, but left holes for space for the handle and spout. I added buttons for adjustable closure around the spout, and also lined the whole thing with purple felt for better insulation.

I crocheted a floral lace overlay to incorporate the white-yellow gradient yarn into the project and to add some cute contrast. To secure the tea cozy around the teapot spout, I sewed on velcro circles. I also added a non-functional button to add to the look.

This 3-layer tea cozy will keep the teapot insulated, helping tea to stay hot or cold for a long time! My roommate and I plan to do an experiment to see how well it works.

<3 Mandy