We spend a lot of time at the local libraries and check out A LOT of books. So, for the first day of our Make a Memory {EVERYDAY}, we made book bags. There are a number of small towns in the area where we live and each town has it's own public library. We enjoy going to 3 different libraries and participating in their Summer Reading Programs. However, it can get overwhelming to keep track of books from 3 different libraries. For the main library that we go to, I purchased a folding plastic crate on wheels. We take our cart to the library with us, fill it up with books, and bring it home. Then, we keep all the books in the cart in our living room, making it super easy to gather the books when it's time to go take them back to the library.
We don't check out as many books at the other two libraries we frequent (and 3 carts would be quite excessive). So, we made a special bag for each of the other two libraries and we keep the books and library card for those particular libraries in the bags. To make the bags, I cut rectangles out of a heavy weight cream fabric. Then, the kids colored pictures on the rectangles with permanent markers (I didn't want to spend the money on fabric markers and figured that permanent markers would work just as well). Then, I made the fabric with their pictures on it into pockets.
I found this great red and white polka dot outdoor canvas for an awesome price (1 1/2 yards for $5.03!) at Walmart and thought it would be perfect for book bags.
I made simple, boxy bags and added the pockets on the outside. We keep our library cards in the pockets, so they're always ready to go when we head to the library. The kids are very proud to have their artwork displayed on our new book bags!
Something to be Made: A somewhat random assortment of 1/4 yard of fun fabrics: 
The wonderfully thoughtful gift I received: 
Something Made: Coasters (don't you love the fabric?) and super cute hair clips for my baby girl
Something to be made: Fun camping fabric to make something for my boys 
Thanks, Deanna! You were a great swap partner! 
Iron interfacing onto the lining pieces. 
Take the two larger rectangles and measure up 11" from the bottom. Mark this spot and measure 1 1/2" from the sides. Mark this point. 
Cut the fabric along the line you just created, so that your fabric looks like this. 
Pin and sew these two pieces right sides together. I find it easier to have the heavier weight fabric (with interfacing) on bottom when sewing them together. 
Remember to leave an opening at the bottom to turn it right side out! 
Next, pin and sew the small rectangles together in the same way: right sides together, leaving an opening at the bottom. Clip corners. 
Turn right side out and press, being sure to fold the raw edges from the openings in. 
You now have your front and back pieces. Pin and sew these together with the outside fabric touching. You're just going to sew down both sides and across the bottom. When you sew the bottom, remember to catch the raw edges. It's a good idea to reinforce your stitches at the top on both sides. Measure in 1 1/2" from each bottom corner and cut this 1 1/2" square out. 
This next step can get a little confusing, but you can handle it! :) 
This should create a line where all the raw edges match up. Pin together. Make sure your seams are going in the same direction so that it will lay nicely. Repeat this on the other side. 
Sew along the raw edges.
I sew this seam twice to make sure it's sturdy. This is what it should look like:
Turn right side out. You're almost done! 
Pin the 
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. If you make your own Diaper & Wipe Pocket, please send me a picture. I love getting to see other's projects! 
I used 
This pet bed tepee is super cute. I want to make a big one for my kids! 
I wish I could have this dress, isn't it fabulous?
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