Jamie Irene backpacks add a touch of cute to kids' commute

Seattle designer Jamie Irene loves animals. As we chat, her two Chinese Crested pooches, well dressed in doggie T-shirts, happily scamper around the living room of her Central District home.

Although she's always been crafty, it was only about a year ago that Irene merged her love of animals with her creative talent, launching a line of animal-themed backpacks ($150) and pillows ($125) for kids. The menagerie of colorful critters includes Eli the Owl, Arun the Penguin, Agnus the Bunny and Eleanor the Frog.

They're all adorable, but it was Eli the Owl that caught the eye of a producer for "The Martha Stewart Show." One thing lead to another, and Irene found herself demonstrating how she knits, felts and assembles Eli the Owl for Martha and her studio audience of about 250 people. "That experience was totally surreal and the opportunity of a lifetime," Irene says of the TV episode, which aired Nov. 30.

Irene uses wool yarn to construct her backpacks. When the yarn is machine-washed in hot water, the wool fibers adhere to each other, creating a strong, durable felt. That's what makes her backpacks as functional as they are whimsical -- perfect for filling with toys and books to keep your little one occupied.

Although it's the animal line that has gotten national exposure, Jamie also features a line of pillows ($125) and backpacks ($150) -- adorned with a cowboy, a firefighter, a cherry or a little frock -- that can be personalized with a child's initial. Hand-knit hats for kids and adults ($45-$175), and a fabulous assortment of felted, fabric and leather messenger bags, purses and clutches for grownups ($88-$175), round out her handmade creations.

For those crafty enough to attempt it, Jamie also offers DIY kits ($90), which include everything necessary to create any of Jamie's backpacks or pillows. All products are available on the designer's Web site.

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