Make It Modern: A Bag Full of Color + Joy

After finishing the first set of project bags for my niece, you can read that post here → Personalized Project Bags with a Twist, I couldn’t resist making her one more handmade surprise. She’s at that fun preteen age where organizing art supplies, journals, and “important treasures” is basically a full-time hobby, so a third bag felt absolutely necessary.

Hey there, Kelly Renay here! This time, I reached for the Pack It In 2.0 pattern by ByAnnie and sewed up the large size. It’s roomy, structured, and perfect for corralling all the things a creative kid (or adult!) carries from room to room.

Adding a Joyful FPP + Vinyl Detail

To tie this project into the first set, I added another foundation paper pieced detail. I used the Joy Star Block by Quilty Pie Handmade, a sweet surprise that stitched up beautifully in bold solids. It adds just the right amount of spark to the back panel and keeps everything feeling cohesive with the earlier bags.

Then for the bag’s front panel, I swapped the usual mesh for clear vinyl, which lets her see what’s inside while keeping everything secure.

Continuing the Modern Mix of Color + Contrast

I stayed with the same fabric palette using Riley Blake Designs basics, so all of the bags coordinate without being too matchy-matchy. This one features:

• Dapple Dot in Black
• Swiss Dot on White Black
• 1/8″ Stripe Black and White
• Confetti Cottons in: Riley Fuchsia, Riley Raspberry, Bubblegum, Passion, Papaya, Citron, Riley Teal, and Poolside

The dots keep things playful, the stripe adds that perfect graphic punch, and the bright Confetti Cottons make the Joy Star shine.

A Bag Made for Big Ideas

The large size of Pack It In 2.0 has plenty of space for sketchbooks, markers, and every tiny treasure my niece decides is essential that day. And honestly? Nothing makes me happier than seeing a handmade project actually get used and loved.

Project Summary

Pattern: Pack It In 2.0 (Large Size) by ByAnnie
FPP Accent: Joy Star Block by Quilty Pie Handmade

Fabrics Used:

• Dapple Dot in Black
• Swiss Dot on White Black
• 1/8″ Stripe Black and White
• Confetti Cottons: Riley Fuchsia, Riley Raspberry, Bubblegum, Passion, Papaya, Citron, Riley Teal, Poolside