How about we give you a little incentive to sew a fun summer project for yourself?

For the next two weeks (through July 17–UPDATE: sorry, but the sale has now closed), we will be offering our popular Day in the Park Backpack Tote pattern at half price! And, to sweeten the deal, we’ll even cover the shipping and handling costs for customers in North America. Customers outside North America will only pay $2.50 shipping and handing.

This versatile, convertible bag can be worn as a backpack, shoulder bag, or tote and is suitable as a second project for new sewers. The fully lined interior includes a zippered pocket and divided patch pocket for pencils, cell phone, or other small items.

Don’t miss your opportunity to double-dip with this special sale by taking half off the pattern and receiving free or discounted shipping on this item. See the Backpack Tote Flickr group for your dose of tote-sewing inspiration!

I hope you enjoyed the holidays are are excited about the new year. We certainly enjoyed a little break over here, and I’ve been busy finishing up some personal projects that have been languishing. Now I’m ready to go with some new ideas for the new year.

What are your crafting plans for 2009?

Here is a project you might want to consider. We’ve just received yet another reprint of the A Day in the Park convertible backpack tote pattern. This was the very first pattern we produced, and it’s become a favorite of our customers. Many of you have called and written to tell us that you liked it so much you’ve made them as gifts for friends and family as well. I like it because I can carry the essentials to the playground, grocery store, or wherever I’m going and still have my hands free. We even use one at S’s preschool for the first aid kit when we take the children to the playground and on field trips.

This is a pattern that was written for a second-level sewing class, so you can make it even if you don’t have a lot of experience. It does involve several layers of fabric, and I recommend using a walking foot to prevent the layers from shifting while you’re sewing. The pattern offers lots of room for creative embellishment, like this little house fabric-covered button we added to ours.

Visit the Flickr group for this bag if you’d like to how other people have made and embellished it. And have fun!