Tuesday 26 January 2010

We're off...

to kinder.

Friday is a big day for our 'big' girls - it's their first day of Kinder.
It's a big day for me too, because after nearly four years of being their stay-at-home primary carer, I am letting them go into the world.

While I know this is good for them (and I guess for me) I feel a sense of apprehension that they will be exposed to some behaviour, language and let's face it, children that I'd rather they not be exposed to.

But then that's all part of learning I guess.
Learning when to join in or follow as instructed and when to stand up for yourself and assert your independence.


In preparing for their big day I finished their backpacks last night and they've hardly had them off today.
I think they're a hit.

The best parts of the bag, according to the girls, are the hook for hanging it up at kinder, and the sparkly plastic sqaure where I put a little slip of paper with their names.

I won't show you those, or th straps here, because you can see them in the last couple of backpack posts.

This time around I used medium-heavy weight fusible interfacing that I got from Nikki, which was lovely to work with.
It has given the backpacks great support and firmness, without being all stiff and hard. Will definitely use this again.

I also used template plastic in the base and some purse feet, which because this bag was not lined and it put together with an outer loop (the sides, top/zipper and base) joined to the front and then back, I will admit were a bit fiddly to do.

But I really love the final effect.



The finishing touch for these backpacks are a couple of cute heart and flower zipper pulls - which are on their way to me now.

Then we will be ready to go, well the girls will at least.

26 comments:

Becky said...

Fantastic bags, and wonderful girls.

Liz said...

They look wonderful! I hope they have fun on Friday :)

Unknown said...

The backpacks look great! You have done a great job with the base, and the zipper pulls will be fabulous! It must be so scary sending your precious girls off to kinder.

(It looks like they will be doing well, my word verification is alist!)

Bek said...

Oh wow, a milestone!

My Caleb starts school next week. I am trying to get used to the idea quick to avoid tears in the school yard (mine).

Gina said...

How exciting and terrifying for all! At least you are sending them off with the most beautifully- and lovingly-crafted bags... they will only need to glance at them to be reminded of you and your love!

Are the girls fraternal twins?

Miss Amy said...

Big Hug Karen, do something on their first day that will keep you occupied!! It helps. By the way... Im sure that the girls will be fine, have a great time, and make some great friends (you'll make some wonderful friends too!)

Mel said...

They are just fabulous! Your girls will have the most divine time at Kinder and their journey this year will astound and amaze you with the developmental growth these preschoolers have! Jaida is so excited to be heading to 4 year old this year (and Caleb starts back on Thursday! Grade 1 Koala group, graduated from Prep Turtle class (lol)) ... I am sure that the girls back packs will be a hit amongst the other little princesses' there too! ENJOY! Feel proud to watch them fly!

Market Girl said...

Way to go girls, have the best time ever!
Those bags rock!

Cass said...

Karen the bags are awesome, and the girls will have a ball at kinder

Unknown said...

Love those backpacks, what an incredible job you have done. The little extras like the feet and zipper pull are great. It would seem the girls are not the ones who will be having any problems on Friday!

Andrea said...

Gorgeous bags for gorgeous girls Karen. It is hard letting go of your kids, but Kindy is such a lovely year. They will make some wonderful friends and will hopefully iontroduce you to some lovely new friends too.

cherri said...

Amazing bags - just gorgeous - love the purse feet - nice touch!

Charity said...

Karen, the bags are really fabulous!! The girls look too sweet with them on - and school time already - so soon. My younger daughter starts Kingergarten in Sept - time sure does fly, eh? :o)

Sarah-Jo said...

wow two very stylish young preschoolers on their way! love the back bpacks and gd luck with the new adventure!

willow and moo said...

Love the bags!

Wishing the girls a wonderful first day of kinder!

Kylie said...

The bags look great - well done. Good luck on Friday, Amelia starts on Friay too and ill go for two ays a week - I m a little like you with who she is going to meet - she is dying to meet new friends though:)

Nikki said...

Oh Karen... such a bittersweet days. To see your girls so happy and becoming more independent... but how can they be ready already! I hope it is a great day for all 3 of you.

The backpacks look fab. Great to hear the interfacing helped with the structure and great idea to use template plastic and purse feet. The fabric is very cute but not as cute as your big girls.

Natalie said...

Oooh they are so adorable - the bags and your darling little girls! Hope they have a wonderful time in kindy.

Sally said...

Wonderful backpacks!!!

Good luck to you and the girls on Friday. Such a big milestone in all of your lives. Enjoy as much as you can with all those butterflies dancing in your tummies.

make it perfect said...

adorable! good luck with the start of school!!

Nikki said...

We have kinder tomorrow... and my girl is being sent off with the scruffyremains of what was once a nappy bag. You've put me to shame with those lovely backpacks.... I must remedy the situation!

That interfacing is my absolute favourite for bags.

Tamara said...

The bags are fantastic. How lovely to send them off in something handmade. Your girls look gorgeous.

naomi said...

they are simply perfect! I have been wanting to try that pattern for a while. Unfortunately my daughter chose the school bag from the uniform shop (blue with logo...boring!).

Suz said...

Oh my goodness. These are fantastic! I hope they have a great time this year - I'm sure they will.

Luisa said...

Gorgeous bags, and so good to see no tv characters on them!
Well done and congratulations, on both the bags, and being brave (starting school is tough on mums!)

Bellgirl said...

They look wonderful, and I love the idea of the purse feet- I made the same pattern for my Bug, and I might try to add some purse feet in 'after the fact'.