Waaaaay baaaack at Thanksgiving while we were in DC, my son-in-law was showing how great his new backpack sling was. I believe he got it at Patagonia. He pulled out all of his necessary stuff, like wallet and sunglasses but there was also an apple, a can of La Croix, and more! He used it running, bicycling, and just for everyday. I was impressed.

And wondered if I could design something similar!

And then saw that Noodlehead had a pattern for the Sandhill Sling and it was on sale! Why reinvent the wheel? I’d already bought one of her patterns and was very pleased with it.

I had a bunch of other projects to do for Christmas so I didn’t get started on the sling until after the holidays. Was putting it together and moving forward until I put the zipper in. The pattern calls for an 18” “head to head zipper”. Did you know that a parka zipper which has two heads is different than a head to head zipper? I thought they were the same but when I installed the parka zipper–whoops–the zipper goes the opposite way! Then I couldn’t find a 18” head to head zipper in store or online. Ended up ordering a 30” zipper from Wacol. Actually I ordered 10. Won’t be fooled again! Guess I’m going to have make a parka to use that other zipper.

So here is my Sandhill Sling!

It is a little bigger than I need for everyday plus it’s a little awkward when at the grocery store and one has to switch it around to the front to get a wallet out. But it does fit a normal size book so I always have reading material on hand. And of course, I could also put in a can of La Croix and an apple!

The sling has options. The exterior can either have a zippered pocket or a patch pocket with a snap. And the zippered pocket comes with an optional flap. I went with the zippered pocket with the flap. Then I used a bright orange zipper for flair and covered it with the flap. Should have thought that through, because the cool orange zipper is covered up.

I like a light colored fabric on the interior and used “Black and White with a Dash of Color” from Northcott. The outside fabric is canvas from Rifle Paper Company “Strawberry Fields”. I only have about a quarter yard left of this fabric now. Might need to make a matching pouch!

Now to the sewing part. I was delighted to find that Noodlehead also had a video tutorial for the sling. I watched each step before trying it on my machine. I found that this was a difficult pattern but doable because of the video. This is the first time I made a gusset on a pouch and adding the lining is a little tricky.

But it turned out very nice. After using it for two weeks as my everyday tote, I thought it wasn’t working for me but then my grandkids from North Dakota came for a week. It was very useful then!

We hit most of the local attractions. First we went to the Homosassa Wildlife Park to see the manatees and other creatures living there.

Next we went to Weeki Wachee to see the mermaids.

And on a boat ride to Monkey Island.

It was nice to be able to keep both hands free. One of the girls has a severe sesame allergy and there was plenty of room in the sling for her epi pen, my wallet and sunglasses, along with bug spray, sunscreen, and facemasks. Perfect!

Changes I would make? When I make it again I will add a hook on the inside for my Jeep keys. They get lost in the bottom of this bag. The interior pocket is a little too large. I would probably put a zipper pocket next time.

And there will be a next time. I’ve already ordered the hardware to do the exterior patch pocket. Just don’t know when I’ll get to it.