Weather Bag Tutorial

a little rain and a rainbow

Okay, the title is a bit misleading since there isn't very much tutelage in this post.  But I think just the pictures are enough for you to copy the idea.  It happened in a flash of inspiration and an hour playing on the floor with Ouise.  It wouldn't have taken so long, but I was working on a separate project at the same time.  If you already have a felt stash and some glue you can put it together in no time.

a rainy day

I wanted to make something for her to recreate the weather she sees outside.  We tried this with the little weather coloring zine, but it's kind of a one shot deal.  This can be reused over and over.  I didn't draw anything first, I just cut out shapes.  The sun, clouds, lighting bolt, and moon are just felt.  The rainbow is made of a large red strip of felt, with small blue and yellow strips glued on top.  The rain drops are little beads, and the snow is a bit of poly-fil.  At first I cut out tiny bits of felt for the rain and snow, and then I imagined them sticking to every surface in my house and I threw them out.

 The bag is dark on one side and light on the other (that was Ouise's good idea), and it's made of fleece, so I didn't hem it. Just sewed two 5 inch-ish squares together leaving one end open, and turned it right side out.  You can keep all the pieces in the bag and then use it as the sky when you get the pieces out.  A sticky closure would be a good idea so all the little pieces don't fall out.  Maybe the stick on kind so you don't see a bunch of stitching in your sky?   I'll have to look and see if I have any...

snowy day

I asked L to make me a rainy day, and a stormy day, and then she'd suggest a snowy day.  We just kept mixing it up.   It's so neat to see how her brain works.  She dropped the rain from high above like it was raining.  Also, she thought the storm should have a dark sky even though it wasn't night.

a dark and stormy night

a cloudy day

Also, it got covered in cat hair within minutes of playing on the floor with it.  I'm just going to pretend you can't see that in the pictures.  This was too quick and fun to make complicated.  :)

Updated to Add:   I decided to go ahead and make a zipper pouch (here's a good tutorial).  The beads kept falling out, and otherwise L was going to make me tie a bow around it.   And while we were at it, we threw in a few extra squares in different blues and creams for different sky colors.  I'm surprised how much play this little thing has already gotten.  I'm going to keep it on our school bookshelf, and we'll get it out a couple times a week, especially when we have some unusual weather.  
 

There are 7 Days, There are 7 Days...

..There are 7 days in a week.

Sunday, Monday,

Tuesday, Wednesday,

Thursday, Friday, Saturday.

I've been meaning to make something like this for awhile, but just kept putting it off. Yesterday, when Ouise was talking about Twosday and Foursday, I thought it was time.  So we're using this chart and learning the little 7 days a week song (to the tune of "Oh, My Darling") in hopes of also learning that her birthday was not, in fact, yesterday.

I don't have much experience with flannel boards, aside from Sunday school many years ago, so this was all figure it out as you go.  I only found flannel boards when I googled, but I made this felt quilt-y thing that just hangs on the wall.  It seems to work fine, and I was able to put it together with stuff I already have (always a win).

I made little pieces to represent things we do during the week: a book for storytime, a grocery bag for shopping day, a little church for church, a bath tub for bath time... you get the picture.  I'll probably make more pieces as new things come up, or multiples if necessary.  Like fun numbers for upcoming birthdays, holiday symbols, maybe something for the zoo trip we're planning this summer.  The car is supposed to represent the days Daddy goes to work - I'm not sure that's making sense to L though. 

I used felt for both the board and the pieces, and I just cut everything out free hand - which is why all the columns are different sizes and all the shapes are wonky.  I'm cool with that.

 I sewed the little pieces together by hand, although you could use fabric glue (I didn't have any) or the sewing machine (I was watching a movie).  The letters are stitched onto the board, but all of the other pieces just stick on, and can be moved around.  I did iron fusible interfacing to the back, which seems to make them stick much better. You can see the back of the car here.  Because some of the pieces are bulky, it helped to iron each piece individually. 

There's a little pocket on the back for pieces we aren't using.  L wanted to use all the pieces, and did not like the pocket, but I'm hoping that's just because it's new.  She doesn't get the concept of the days of the week yet, but I think this will give her a way to put together all the information we're giving her.   Seems like just a few days of moving the circle will make a big impression.  We'll see.  :)

Crowns

There is one month left for the crown project (and subsequently, until my 30th birthday).  I've been busy with my other projects, so I've gotten a bit behind on sewing crowns.  I'm spending today catching up, so if you've requested one recently, it's coming!  I promise.  :)

If you haven't seen the gallery lately, go check it out.  How fun are all those crowns together? And if you'd still like to request one, please do!

Rarr - the Creative Process (and another give away!)

Whew, two new patterns within a week?  Crazy right?

I've been giving myself a number of projects to do for my book each month, and when I finish, then I can do any other sewing for the rest of the month. It's a great motivator, and I'm getting so much more done than I ever realized I could.  So below, I want to share two things: a bit about my creative process, and a giveaway (300 400 downloads - first come, first serve) of my new Dino pattern.

Creative Process

1.  Sketch out pattern.  Think, "this is perfect.  I'll go ahead and cut out enough to make 4 dinosaurs in crazy cute fabrics!" Assemble two and realize there are all kinds of flaws (won't stand, skinny arms, puckering).  Oops.

2.  Adjust pattern.  Cut out just one, but optimistically use the cute fabric again.  It's better, but still needs work (still skinny arms, still puckering, still won't stand up).  Give this prototype to the kids: they love misfits.

3.  Draft version 3.  Send it to husband to print at work.  In the meantime, browse Abby's Elements of Soft Toy Design series at While She Naps.  (If you want to try drafting your own patterns, you should definitely check this out!)

4.  Slap head.  See great idea on While She Naps, and decide to try something different.  Forget version 3, enter Dinosaur 4.1.  Huge improvement, very excited, but needs a little more work (stands up! nice arms, no puckering - whoa those legs are huge). Give Dino 4.1 to the kids.

5.  Dinosaur 4.2 complete (with eyes).  Put Dinos and pattern in the shop, smile a lot, and begin give away:  click here to download! 
UPDATE:thanks everyone!  We gave away 421 patterns.  Enjoy, and be sure to let me know how it works for you!

Weasels! (a give away)

Sometimes we call L, "Weasel."  I know, it's a goofy nickname.  But there it is.

I wanted to make a plush weasel for her birthday, and I got excited about it, so I'm way early. This is a pretty simple pattern.  I used some old blankets so they're really soft and cuddly.  (And who doesn't want to cuddle with a weasel?)

I used the last of my wool stuffing in three of the weasels, and I used polyfil with the rest.  I've decided to stop using wool, but I was disappointed a bit with the poly-fil.  It isn't as firm and doesn't hold the shape as well, although it is nice and squishy.  You can see the difference in these two weasels.  The white one's face is pointy, and his legs are firm; the brown one's face is puffier, and his lays splay out a bit.  I've ordered some cotton, and I'm eager to work with it, but I was too eager to finish these to wait for the cotton to arrive.

 The pattern is free to download here until Thursday at noon.   The give away has ended, you can now find the pattern in my shop.  Please remember to send me feedback for the pattern!
 
Also, I'm adding 6 weasels to the shop right now, and don't forget about the EARTHLINGS coupon code (40% off!)  available through Friday, April 1st.  Go watch the movie!

Comfort Food

I've been thinking about the food I eat pretty intensely since I watched the documentary Earthlings (available to watch free online).  I realize that living in modern America I have the luxury of eating food as it pleases me, for my own comfort, rather than viewing food as a source of nutrition and survival as people of other places and time have had to. 

The thing that really frustrates me is that my primary reason for killing animals is comfort.  Somehow, we have separated the acts of killing and eating, but that doesn't make them any less connected.  Certainly, I shouldn't gain comfort from killing, right?

I don't claim to have anything figured out.  Seriously.  But I want to move in the direction of compassion and awareness.

So to do my tiny little part today, I'm sharing with you two things.  First, the recipe for my new comfort food- it's healthy, yummy, and plant based.  And for a limited time, a 40% discount in my shop when you use the code EARTHLINGS.  Most of my patterns are animals, and I think if we're going to teach our children to love animals, we should mean it all the way, right?  Ideally, I'd love for you to go watch the movie before you use the code, but I'll leave that up to you.  Or if you've already gone vegan, take it as my hat tip to you. :)

"The animals of the world exist for their own reasons. They were not made for humans any more than black people were made for whites, or women for men." - Alice Walker

Fried Rice
To make fried rice it's best to use leftover rice.  I make a large pot of rice at the beginning of the week, and use portions throughout the week.  I don't have exact measurements for the rice, or any of it, come to think of it.  Making the rice ahead of time, makes this a healthy, plant based meal that comes together in under 10 minutes.  Here's what I do:

Heat a TBSP or so of oil in a skillet and sautee minced garlic, minced ginger, and chopped onions.  Add any of the following veggies:  sugar snap peas, diced carrots, frozen peas, sliced red or orange peppers, mushrooms, bean sprouts, broccoli, or whatever else you like.  (When cooking with the kids, I often omit the onions and only use kid-friendly veggies like peas and carrots.)

When the veggies are cooked to your liking (not over cooked), add the cold cooked rice to the hot pan along with some soy sauce.  Stir, and then let it sit still a minute so it gets crispy on the bottom.  Then stir some more and repeat.

Presto! Serve it to toddlers with a spoon for less rice on the floor. :) 

Work at Home Mom

This winter, my littlest one discovered my sewing machine and all of its fancy knobs.  She pulled off two, and at first I thought it was just annoyingly cosmetic, but eventually I realized it had affected the stitch length function and it was getting worse.  Ack, another expensive tune up.

Enter the sewing machine cover, whipped up after reading the lovely tutorial at Art Nest.  I have a crush on anything patchwork, so this functional and patchy project was calling my name.  Although, it has occurred to me that this may actually attract the children...  I guess I should have made it ugly?

This little adventure reminded me of my efforts to find balance in motherhood and working at home not long after J was born.  Since then, sewing and designing have turned into part time employment which is exciting, fulfilling, and helps me maintain my sanity as a new mother.  I don't have it all figured out, but I feel much more confident than I did back in 2009.  So I thought I'd share a few things I've learned about being a work at home mom.  The first three are organizational, and the last one is more of a change in philosophy.

1. Routine.  The children and I are both more pleasant, have more fun, and get more accomplished when we have a somewhat structured day.  Routine does not come naturally to me, so I've had to work at this, but it's worth it.  I'm especially able to enjoy play time more and focus during chore time, when I know I have work time slotted in later.  
2. Efficiency.  I work in small increments throughout the day: during naptime, movie time, daddy time, and bed time.  I work in batches, doing a bunch of cutting at once, machine sewing, and hand sewing.  I save hand sewing for long car rides or tv time.  When someone wakes up, gets hungry, or needs to pee, I'm prepared to walk away.
3.  Space.  I have a dedicated work space - it's not pretty, but it's organized and my work table is out of the children's reach (ahem, unlike the sewing machine).  I keep works in progress neatly laid out on the table, and organizational notes on a marker board above it.  My scanner and pattern files are stored under the table, and my fabrics, scissors, and trims are all in reach.  This is essential to making my short bursts of work really productive. 
4. I let my children see me work.  During movie time, daddy time or quiet time - when they are awake but occupied, I get out my stuff and work.  I cut fabric on the floor near them while they play with John, I hand sew on the couch during their movie, and sometimes L plays on the floor in my studio while I work on the machine.  Sometimes they ignore me, sometimes they get involved, and sometimes they steal my fabric.  Either way, I feel this is valuable for them because being creative and productive is a regular part of their day.  Handiwork skills are easily accessible to them, whenever they are ready to learn.  Not to mention they get a chance to see me being both domestic and professional.

I've begun to realize that when I can keep the first three in order (and that's the hard part) the fourth point proves to be beneficial for me and my children.  But, of course, the most helpful thing has been to find what works for me, and go with it confidently.  We all get there eventually, I guess.  :)

What works for you?

Weather Coloring Zine

Ever since I made L a little book last fall to learn the Lord's Prayer, I wanted to make more on all kinds of subjects.  They are so quick and fun to make, and she gets such a kick out of having her own little book.  I made a list of at least 10 books I want to make, things I want her to learn.  They emphasize coloring and letter recognition, but also each will teach her about a new subject and how to recognize it every day.

This little one is about the weather, with cheesy little smiley faces.  She colored each page and we talked about how the weather changes.  This isn't really a new subject, but I wanted her to start paying attention to what the weather is like each day so she'll understand when it's too cold to go out, or why we need to wear rain boots, etc.  The last page has a blank sky and tree so they can draw what they see right now. 

I try not to be too pushy about her color choices, which is hard for me sometimes.  Nevertheless, I thought it was funny that she colored the snow green.  These are so easy to make, I made her a couple of copies, plus one for J (who isn't much into coloring) and another for me. 

I'll be adding these as I make them, and you can find them all by searching the "printables" tag.  You can download this one here.  It's just one black and white page and you can read instructions on how to fold the paper here.

Giving it Away

We had an excellent time at Arts in the Alley last night.  I'm thrilled that my little town is full of creative people who developed an Arts Commission that is so active.  It's fun to find new crafts people and musicians in your own town.  And, can I just say, that giving away stuff at a craft fair is exponentially better than selling.  The little word "FREE" on my table let me interact with so many more people and immediately made people smile.  Which speaks to me on a level beyond simple consumerism.

And a shout out to my mom - who sent me a package of 30 crowns that she and a friend made.  I had about 20 of my own, making a slew of crowns, as mom would say.  We gave away 31 last night (so I've got some ready to mail if you want one!). It was a blast seeing all the kids running around wearing crowns, for me and L both.

No matter how much love you give, you never have less. In fact you discover you have more — one ruble becomes two, two becomes ten. - Mother Maria Skobtsova




All of the diverse facets of my life, including the crown project, seem to be criss-crossing in surprising ways, causing me to decompartmentalize.  That feels good.  It is helping me give up some of the unhelpful ways I define myself.   Specifically, I realize I am not defined by what my friends believe and do, rather who I am a friend to.  That also feels really good.  And it is a lesson I needed to learn.

Apparently, I also need to learn to iron my tablecloth. :)

Love in Stereo, Whip Up and, Arts in the Alley

I'm so late in telling you about my guest blog post at Whip Up last week.  I interviewed my college friend Brad Montague about Love In Stereo: a movement of artists, fans and friends united together to make a global impact.  I've been so moved/impressed/amazed/excited by all that I've seen Brad and his friends accomplish this year through Love In Stereo, so I'm thrilled to get to help spread the word about this great organization.

I was especially eager to interview Brad because I've been wondering "what can I do?"  I don't have any superhuman skills or a vast fund raising network, but I'd like to help impact people for good, too.  And I knew Brad would point me in the right direction.  Since I've been working on my Nicholas Crown Project, I've begun to understand the truth of what Brad said:

It’s about addressing a need and building a community around that need.

Real impact happens when artists do more than giving and raising money for an immediate need.  It's about building a community that will continue to support that need over time. 

I reached out to all of you, my online crafty friends, first because you are the community I interact with most as a Work at Home Parent.   I treasure the connection (sanity) and inspiration (motivation) I get from all of you.  But, I realize that I need to push myself to be more a part of my real world community, too.  My compassion for children shouldn't be limited to the abstract and distant, but also for my own children, my friends' children, and the children in our community.  Especially in such small acts of compassion, like reminding a child that they're special.

As the number requests for crowns have been declining (you can still request one for a child you know!) I've been looking for more children to reach out to, and I realized perhaps I should start at home, you know?  Next Thursday, March 17, is Arts in the Alley, hosted by the Henderson Arts Commission, and I'll be there with a basketful of crowns to give away.  If you're in town, come by and pick up crowns for your kids, or take one to give to a child you know.