So after my crazed, over-ambitious sewing from the last kcwc, I thought I might sit the next event out. And seeing as how my sister just gave me a ginormous sack of hand-me-downs for my son, I’m not sure if we actually need clothes. But…but…but…the Kids Clothes Week Challenge is so fun! I plan to participate yet again, with a more, err, toned-down approach, but who knows how hard the sewing bug might bite.
Will you be participating?
One of the items that I sold at the craft fair this year was wool dryer balls. They were a huge hit, and for good reason.
I’ve been using six balls in my dryer lately I’ve noticed that it has cut down drying time significantly, kept the clothes wrinkle and static-free, and imparts a very light scent thanks to adding a few drops of essential oil to each ball. My favorite is a combo of rose, grapefruit and tea tree. To make these balls, I used this tutorial from The Sleepytime Gal which uses 100% wool yarn, which I made sure to get with 40-50% off coupons. Wool yarn is spendy.
For Christmas presents I gave away what dryer balls I had leftover from the craft fair along with homemade laundry powder, which was very well received. After Christmas I started working on wool dryer balls using an old wool cardigan and vest (a gift from Kendra), and one of my husbands old hats that I accidentally put in the dryer. I used this tutorial from Eco-Friendly Homemaking, but used the felting methods from the previous tutorial by first creating a “core,” felting it, wrapping strips of wool fabric around the ball and hand-stitching it as I went, until it reached the desired size. Then I felted the balls twice in a pair of old pantyhose.
I won’t lie. It required a lot of hand-stitching. I used 100% cotton thread because I wanted something that would shrink up with the wool, but I switched to regular thread when my spool ran out. I’ve had no issues so far.
I made eleven balls using this method, and it took me about three weeks of working on it in little bits here and there. It was actually really nice having an ongoing project, something to keep my hands busy, mostly during nap times. I allowed myself to watch movies while I stitched (something I never do during the day), and really enjoyed watching New York in the 50’s and Magic Trip on Netflix. Totally interesting watching those two films back-to-back. I can’t really recommend using one method over the other, but I will say that re-purposing old woolen items is not only eco-friendly, but free.
Happy Stitching!
For Christmas this year, I made two sets of number bean bags, using this tutorial from Chez Beeper Bebe. One set for my son: kazaam!
And one set for my nieces & nephews: kablam!
I added top stitching to each bag, as I wasn’t confident they would hold up well without the extra reinforcement.
I also added counting dots to the back of each bag (which, oh my, was quite tedious) by tracing a pen cap onto Heat n’ Bond and black felt.
Additionally, (yes, this was a seemingly never-ending project) I made a little carrying case for each set, using the juggling balls drawstring bag pattern from Oliver & S Little Things to Sew. Such a quick project (compared to those bean bags!) which resulted in very sturdy, fully lined bags.
And for my nieces and nephews, I also created a little bean bag toss out of a stunningly beautiful cardboard box, using Danielle’s tutorial.
Like, on Christmas Day, an hour before my family’s Christmas festivities began. Talk about down to the wire.
We’ve been playing with our set by tossing them into an empty laundry basket (or in the air, or at the cat and dog), studying the numbers and carefully counting each dot. Such a fun way to learn how to count.
The project was virtually free, as I used scraps for the bean bags, the beans from the bean bowl, the fabric leftover from making these pants and obviously a really old cardboard box. The whole thing took, what seemed like forever, but it was actually nice working at it bit by bit, at a more relaxed pace than what I typically create for myself. So often when I sew, I want it finished right away and I’m mentally lining up the next 50 projects I want to complete.
Here’s to a more relaxed approach to sewing (and life in general) in 2012!
I made another pair of Oliver & S Bedtime Story Pajamas, this time in a killer stripe and polka dot combo, that screamed “PJS” to me the moment I laid eyes on them.
The pattern worked up even faster the second time around, which was great considering I was working under a tight deadline. In addition to needing these jams, I made them specifically for the Mt. Hood Rail Road Polar Express train ride that we went on over the weekend.
We surprised him with a copy of the book
Each child was given a golden ticket,
and a conductor came by to punch it.
The chefs made us hot chocolate and cookies (we brought our own gluten-free), we sang Christmas carols, and then stopped at the North Pole to let Santa and his elves aboard.
Santa stopped and chatted with each and every child. It was truly magical. When we pulled up to the train station on the way back, it was snowing! And kept snowing for the majority of the ride home.
I hope you are having so much fun celebrating this holiday season, and most of all, making time to rest and relax with your loved ones. It is too easy for me to be in Manic Whirlwind Mode the closer we get to Christmas Day, but all I have to do is stop at look at the above picture, or watch my son’s eyes light up every time we plug-in the Christmas lights, to remember to stop and savor the moment.
Happy Holidays!
Pattern: Oliver & S Bedtime Story Pajamas (my 26-month old son wears a size 3T)
Striped Flannel: Sarah Jane for Michael Miller Children at Play Racer Stripes in Aqua
Polka Dot Flannel: Sarah Jane for Michael Miller Children at Play Dot to Dot in Aqua
Pattern and fabric purchased at Fabric Depot (Portland locals – all 40% off).
After seeing Carolyn’s darling set, I bought the Oliver & S Bedtime Story Pajamas pattern and made these.
We’re calling them the Banana Pajamas and they received rave reviews, contrary to this nervous little photo.
They are super soft and cozy and there’s something endearing and funny about seeing your child in a kimono. The pattern worked up fairly quick, minus the few times I had to re-read the directions, and the size is just large enough that I’m confident these will last through our typical cold and dreary spring season. One pair down, two more to go!
What winter sewing projects do you have lined up? My head is swimming with ideas.
*Local tip: This pattern is out of print, though I was able to find it at Fabric Depot. Sign up for their mailing list and get Oliver & S patterns 40% off.
Pattern: Oliver & S Bedtime Story Pajamas
Size: 3T (my tall son is 27 months old)
Banana Flannel: 5 Funky Monkeys by Erin Michaels for Moda Fabrics via Fabric Depot
Red Flannel: cheap-o stuff via Fabric Depot
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