Up-Cycling Part I - Sweater to Backpack

One of my New Year's Resolutions was to do some up-cycling with my sewing projects. So here is one project I have done.

Philbert had a grey Eddie Bauer sweater a lot like this. (I forgot to take a picture before I cut it up... oops.) It didn't fit him well. So I commandeered it and felted it in the dryer.

I saw this in People Magazine while waiting at the doctor's office. Suri Cruise has one cool backpack. I would argue the shoes are over the top for a small child, but that is another story. The backpack costs $50 and then some. I will not spend that. I am glad Miss Cruise's parents would... clearly they love her a lot. ;)

Here is my version of the backpack, using the up-cycled sweater. I loved sewing with wool. It still does not have eyes. I am not sure what to use for eyes. Applique eyes? Button eyes? What do you think?

Bean loves her new backpack. I think it looks a little more like a bunny then a dog, but that's ok. My next backpack will be made with an up cycled blazer/sport coat. I am thinking brown corduroy. I'll change a few things on attempt number two, but I am excited to hunt for the blazer. Perhaps I'll make a trip to the Shakopee Goodwill tomorrow.