Why?

Because it's too damn hot!

However, I did just sew what I have dubbed a "dufflepack".

Just like a duffle bag but with 2 straps instead of one. I used some denim and Indian cotton that I bought to make a backpack with a while ago. I could';t decide which one I wanted to use, so I bought enough of both to make a whole backpack, then ended up using them together :-P

I'm particularly proud of my strap treatment, even though I made the straps a bit too short :-P

I wanted to make a backpack like the one on the Ashford website and I think it's pretty good for a first attempt at makng my own bag pattern. I'm very fussy about my backpacks so it's lined and everything :-)

It even has a hook for my keys, which I forgot to take a photo of. (Pardon my grammar)

I'll eventually put a pattern on the site but I'll need to make another one some time next year in order to iron out the bugs. I may even use some handwoven fabric next time (although I have an awful lot of that gorgoeus striped Indian cotton left!)