Only You Backpack

Growing up, I learned the very well known saying, “Only you can prevent forest fires.” The saying was updated on 2001 to “Only you can prevent wild fires” since sadly, they aren’t limited to ravaging forests.

When I saw the Friends of Smokey Bear collection I was excited because it took me back to my childhood. But then came the task of figuring out what to make with it. After much contemplation, I settled on a bag. I went with the Out & About backpack bag from By Annie. I thought this would be perfect to take on hikes in the forest!

Admittedly, this was my first time ever making an actual bag. I’ve made a tote before but a tote is nothing compared to a bag! I learned a lot while making this bag but working with the adorable collection made it that much more enjoyable.

And if you’re a fussy cutter, this collection offers tons of opportunities to fussy cut. I took advantage of that with the front panel on the pocket.

I considered using the Outlines Cream fabric on the outside but given the lighter color, I was worried about it getting dirty while adventuring in the forest. So instead, I used it on the inside of the main compartment of the bag.

Because I used the cream fabric on the inside I decided to go darker with the binding so I went with the Bark Smokey Head Toss fabric for the binding and the inside wall of the zipper strip.

And I just HAD to use the Multi Patches fabric so I included that inside the front compartment which is also visible on the outside front of the bag.

And because the predominate color of the outside of the bag was green, I wanted to make the straps stand out. For that I used the Sienna Hat Toss fabric which I bound with the Bark Smokey Head Toss fabric.

After completing this super cute bag, all that was left was to take pictures and write this blog post. Normally, for my completed projects, I find cute places to take pictures. Or I try to stage cute settings. For this project however, I went a different direction.

About four (4) weeks ago there was a wildfire about 2 miles from our home in the Key Vista Nature Park. No homes were damaged or lost thankfully. But several acres of forest were burned down. An unknown number of Florida wildlife was displaced including Florida Panthers, a protected species, snakes, rabbits, coyotes, and more. All of this due to someone who tossed a cigarette while walking in the park.

Only YOU can truly prevent wildfires. As friends of Smokey Bear, we take care of all our forest friends and always remember to practice fire safety to prevent wildfires. All royalties paid go into a fund at the US Department of Agriculture Forest Service dedicated to education and programs related to Fire Prevention. So grab your fat quarter bundle, 1-yard bundle in Sand, or 1-yard bundle in Forest to help spread fire safety awareness.