Today I am honored to be joining the Patterns By Annie team in support of their SewPINK Breast Cancer Awareness initiative. Since October 2019 their mission has been: raise awareness, promote screenings, foster community, and support breast cancer research.
While October shines a spotlight on breast cancer awareness, their commitment extends throughout the year. ByAnnie.com pledges to match every dollar raised on the ByAnnie SewPINK 2024 fundraising page (up to $10k)!
Cancer has deeply impacted my family over the years, touching multiple generations. My grandfather overcame skin cancer. My aunt, has been a source of strength as a breast cancer survivor, reminding us that with support and determination, recovery is possible. However, not all of our experiences have been ones of survival—my uncle was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer, and sadly, we lost him to the disease in 2022. Each of these experiences has left a lasting mark on our family, shaping how we view health, perseverance, and the importance of cherishing every moment we have together.
Making the Bag
When it came time to choose a project for this initiative, I wanted to tackle something that had been on my to-do list for quite a while. So, I finally pulled out the supplies for the Got Your Back 2.1 backpack. To be completely honest, I had been a bit intimidated by the thought of making this bag. There are a lot of components involved, and some of the seams you have to sew through are pretty hefty.
My biggest piece of advice for anyone making this bag is to take it slow. The construction involves sewing through several thick layers, and I found that a slow and steady approach was the best way to handle those challenging parts. Patience really paid off in the end!
If you’ve been following me for a while, you probably know that I proudly consider myself a Disney Adult, which explains my fabric choice for this bag. 🏰 Some of my most cherished childhood memories are from family trips to Disney World, and now, some of my favorite recent memories are from visiting Disney with my two boys and my husband.
Final Thoughts
One of my most meaningful trips was when I participated in the Springtime Surprise Race series, where I had the honor of raising over $2,000 for the American Cancer Society in memory of my uncle, who lost his battle with colon cancer. That experience was a special way to combine my love for Disney with a cause that means so much to me.
In the end, this project turned out to be more than just making a backpack—it was a chance to blend my love for crafting, Disney memories, and supporting a cause that means a lot to me. Taking it one step at a time, both in making the bag and in life, has really shown me how powerful small efforts can be. I’m so glad I finally tackled this project, and even more grateful for the chance to raise awareness along the way. Thanks for following along—I hope this inspires you to take on something you’ve been meaning to do or find a way to give back to something that matters to you!
The #SewPink Initiative was created by ByAnnie.com LLC to raise awareness for breast cancer throughout the year. Efforts culminate in an annual blog hop during October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month to promote self-care, awareness, early detection and support for those affected by breast cancer.
To learn more and see the calendar of events visit: https://www.ByAnnie.com/SewPINK and find screenings available near you:
Don’t miss the other stops on the blog hop!
Links to Other Makers
ByAnnie.com: https://www.byannie.com/blog/byannie-s-blog-1/152
Shannon Fabrics: https://blog.shannonfabrics.com/blog/video-breast-cancer-heart-pillow-sewing-tutorial-how-to-make-a-mastectomy-pillow
Fat Quarter Shop: https://blog.fatquartershop.com/sewpink-and-sew-full-of-heart-woven-hearts-sew-along-kick-off/
Quilting Elissa: https://quiltingelissa.com/blogs/sewpink/byannie-sewpink-2024-breast-cancer-awareness-initiative
LIVE with Annie: https://youtu.be/gnftpeJm2pc
Carolina Moore: https://alwaysexpectmoore.com/zippered-pocket-quilt-quilt-as-you-go-byannie-sewpink/
SEWFinity: https://sewfinity.com/blogs/sewing-blog/sewpink-drop-zone-zippered-trays
Art Quilts by Design: https://www.artquiltsbydesign.com/post/supporting-breast-cancer-awareness-with-sewpink-the-rose-moon-sewing-collaboration
Lizard Creek Quilting: http://meanderingsalonglizardcreek.blogspot.com/2024/10/out-to-lunch-20-in-sewpink-initiative.html
Emerald Falls Quilts: https://emeraldfallsquilts.com/blogs/blog/sewpink-blog-hop
TerifiCreations: https://terificreations.com/2024/10/08/sew-pink-a-byannie-event/
Pat Sloan: https://www.ilovetomakequilts.com/2024/10/sew-pink-tour-block-wed-week-5-.html
LIVE with Annie: https://youtu.be/yrKrQBjE3bw
By Hilary Jordan: https://byhilaryjordan.com/2024/10/sewpink-with-patterns-by-annie-got-your-back-2-1/
Slice of Pi Quilts: https://www.sliceofpiquilts.com/2024/10/sewpink-fabric-countdown-chain-tutorial.html
Stacey Lee Creative: https://www.stacey-lee.com/2024/10/10/sew-pink-sewing-project/
Sallie Tomato: https://sallietomato.com/blogs/blog/crafting-for-a-cause-sew-the-galaxy-travel-wallet-for-the-byannie-sewpink-initiative-2024
Inquiring Quilter: https://www.inquiringquilter.com/questions/byannie-sewpink-blog-hop
Sew Mariana: https://www.sewmariana.com/blog/sew-pink-breast-cancer-awareness
LIVE with Annie: https://youtu.be/4DzBu6bOdVQ
Clover & Violet: https://www.cloverandviolet.com/2024/10/sewpink-sewing-projects-on-the-go.html
Knot & Thread: https://knotandthread.com/blogs/blog/sew-pink-2024
Chris W Designs: https://www.chriswdesigns.com/2024/10/sewpink-initiative-plus-free-pouch-pattern.html
Mx Domestic: https://mxdomestic.com/a-place-for-everything-2-0-sewpink/
Kathy’s Kwilts & More: https://kathyskwiltsandmore.blogspot.com/2024/10/sew-pink-initiative-byannie-blog-hop.html
Bobbin w Brittany: https://bobbinwithbrittany.com/2024/10/21/a-place-for-your-everything-sewpink-blog-hop-with-byannie/
Sookie Sews: https://www.facebook.com/share/4W47xYMmLW23MzM5/
Rustic Horseshoe: https://rustichorseshoe.com/sewpink-2024/
Sew Cute & Quirky: https://www.quirkyb.com/post/by-annie-sewpink-initiative
Beyond the Reef Patterns: https://beyondthereefpatterns.blogspot.com/2024/10/sewpink-initiative-blog-hop-2024.html
Penny Spool Quilts: https://www.pennyspoolquilts.com/blogs/blog/sew-pink-2024
Kissed Quilts: http://kissedquilts.blogspot.com/2024/10/sew-pink-bosom-buddy-and-project-bags.html
Patchwork Breeze: https://patchworkbreeze.com/sewpink-a-tote-bag-to-sew/
OklaRoots: https://oklaroots.com/2024-byannie-sewpink-breast-cancer-awareness/
Crinkle Dreams: https://www.teresacoates.com/sewpink-and-take-care-of-yourself/
ByAnnie.com: https://www.byannie.com/blog/byannie-s-blog-1/187
LIVE with Annie: https://youtu.be/TSl_E33Z7MY
What a fun Got Your Back you made! It will be perfect for your excursions to Disneyland and is sure to brighten EVERYONE’s day! Thanks for sharing your story and for helping us promote cancer awareness. All my best to you and your family.