Final Collection • 17 items left • Sandy's last batch ever
Sandy's Handquilted Hippie Bus Backpack
Sandy's Handquilted Hippie Bus Backpack
Ships within 2–3 days
90-day return policy
Insured & free shipping with tracking
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Sandy's Handquilted Hippie Bus Backpack
Handquilted on the Northern California Coast
By Sandra “Sandy” Merrick (72) — from her final collection, before her sewing room closes for good.
“I wanted every person who packs one of these to take a little of that feeling with them. Setting off. Sun. Freedom. The idea that life still has a few adventures left in it for you.”
100% handmade
Every backpack is individually cut, quilted, appliquéd, and sewn by hand — no assembly line, no embroidery machine.
Handquilted outer shell
Stitch by stitch. That's what gives it its shape, its soft padding, and its one-of-a-kind look.
Signature VW bus motif
Peace sign, headlights, windows, and flowers — each cut and sewn on individually, some in three dimensions.
Padded, adjustable straps
Wide, wadded shoulder straps and a soft back panel that don't dig in, even when the bag is full.
Room for the whole day
A roomy main compartment, a zip front pocket, and two open side pockets — tablet, book, rain jacket, water bottle.
Trolley loop on the back
Slides straight over a suitcase handle, so it rides with you through the airport instead of on your shoulder.
“What sets a piece like this apart is the hand-quilting. Machine-made bags are glued and heat-pressed; here, the padding comes from thousands of individual stitches. That's why it holds its shape for years and why the colors sit in layers instead of looking printed. You simply cannot mass-produce this.”
— Linda Osborne, textile conservator, School of Craft & Design
Each one is handmade, so no two are ever exactly alike.
90-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Take it home, pack it, live with it. If it doesn't make you as happy as you'd hoped, send it back for a full refund — no questions asked. Sandy's promise.
| Material | Premium quilted cotton, polyester batting |
| Finish | Hand-quilted shell, hand-appliquéd VW bus motif |
| Set includes | 1 backpack, numbered inner tag, maker's note |
| Dimensions | Approx. 16” H × 12” W × 6” D (carry-on friendly) |
| Compartments | Main compartment, zip front pocket, 2 side pockets |
| Carry | Padded adjustable straps, top handle, trolley loop |
| Colors | Classic Rainbow, Hot Pink, Lavender Purple |
| Care | Spot clean; air dry — no machine wash |
| Made by | Sandra “Sandy” Merrick, by hand, USA |
| Availability | Final collection — 1,200 pieces, then retired |
Shipping with UPS / USPS
Shipping with UPS / USPS
Free shipping across the United States
- Delivery time: 7–14 business days
- Insured: Every package is fully insured
🌳 Carbon-neutral shipping with UPS / USPS
Real people. Real trips.
A few of the folks carrying Sandy’s Hippie Bus Backpack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got a question? Here's how to reach us.
Got a question? Here's how to reach us.
Sam and the Cedar & Tin team personally respond to every single email — usually within 24 hours.
You can reach us:
- Mon – Fri: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM PT
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM PT
- support@cedarandtinco.com
Can I return my order if I don't like it?
Can I return my order if I don't like it?
Of course. Sandy's bags should only land with women who really love carrying them. If yours is not the right fit, just email us within 90 days and we'll send a prepaid return label — no forms, no hassle.
How is each bag actually made?
How is each bag actually made?
Every Hippie Bus Backpack is hand-quilted by Sandy herself in her small workshop above the Northern California bay. Each bag takes 14+ hours of skilled handwork — cutting the cotton panels, hand-quilting the outer shell stitch by stitch, sewing on the appliquéd VW Microbus motif (peace-sign wheels, sunflowers, headlights, square windows) piece by piece, then finishing with the YKK zipper, padded handles, and lining.
No assembly line. No outsourcing. No two bags are exactly alike.