Noodlehead Range Backpack + Mini Version

 Earlier this year, I came across the Range Backpack by Noodlehead.  I wanted to make something to donate to a charity auction and I thought this would be perfect.  I joined the Noodlehead Sewing Patterns Facebook group and got a lot of ideas and inspiration, in particular the zippered top.  

It was fairly easy to figure out and essentially I put together the front and back and then attached each to the zipper leaving an opening at the bottom of the lining then turned the whole thing right side out.  

As much as I like this bag and pattern I found it to be a little big for my taste, so I made my own mini version.  I wanted something that was just big enough for my computer, water bottle and a few extra odds and ends.  

The finished size is about 13 inches tall, 11 inches wide and 3 inches deep.  

I put together a PDF of the modifications I made HERE.  You will need to purchase the pattern from Noodlehead in order to make the bag.  

Let me know if you make a mini version....tag me on IG #zaaberry.

I'm Back!

Hard to believe my last blog post was nearly 10 years ago!  It feels like yesterday...  I'm not sure what exactly prompted me to want to start posting again, but here goes.   

That little girl that inspired my blog and business name graduated high school and is studying Marketing.  My son is a Junior in high school and starting the college search process.  Crazy that in a few short years, the house will be a little quieter.

My lab research position came to end in 2019 and after bouncing around a bit I've landed back in the Higher Ed world using my science background to support facility renovations.  It's been a great learning experience and I really enjoy being back on a college campus.  I also decided I wanted to go back to school and enrolled in a Master's in Business Analytics program.  

In 2020, like many people, we added a fur baby to our family and she has been my new inspiration.  From doggy toys to Halloween costumes, much of my sewing in recent years has been for her.  So much so that when she hears my sewing machine, she comes running hoping for a new toy.  

That's the update for now.  I have some ideas for posts and hopefully will keep up some level of momentum.  I really enjoy blogging even if nobody is listening.  It's my own personal journal. 

XO Ruby

Baby Swimsuit

I'm no stranger to sewing swimwear.  In the past I've drafted my own pattern from store bought suits.  Recently I came across Patsy Aiken Designs and fell in love with this adorable swim set.  I have a little baby niece and let's face it, sewing for babies is so much fun! 

 Though I've sewn quite a few suits for my daughter you can see HERE and HERE, I can never leave well enough alone.  I feel pretty comfortable using my coverstitch machine for most things, but have not had success with swimwear. 

 So like the crazy lady I am, I spent all weekend conquering my machine and all this spandex.  After much trial and error, I finally got it to work, though I'm not positive I could do it again.  The striped suit came out great, but my first one was a bit of a disaster.

 This flower print fabric is heavier than the stripes, and I used a thicker elastic.  Not sure if that was the problem, but my machine did not like it.  I kept getting skipped and uneven stitches.  It looks cute if you don't look too close.

 Ultimately I put in new stretch needles, went with a thinner clear elastic, a lighter fabric and it worked much better.

This pattern is very cute, but be forewarned, the instructions are all words, hardly any pictures.  If you've never sewn swimwear before, you'll need to have your computer closeby for help.

Can't wait to see this suit on my little baby niece!