I love this fabric. It is just right for the bag's purpose - to hold some of Charlie's many, many Matchbox cars.
Charlie was really into using the sewing machine this time, even more so than when he made his own toolbelt.
He used the correct names for many parts of the machine while operating them: foot pedal, presser foot, and needle. He also mastered using the forward stitch and backstitch buttons, and every time he'd move the needle he'd say, "Needle UP!" or "Needle DOWN!" I wished I had been able to video it, but I had to be sure he didn't sew his finger off.
We used some leather cording I had leftover from another project for the drawstrings, but they didn't work very well. I think they rubbed together too much, which made the sack hard to open and close. Plus they started to fray and looked kind of ugly after a while.
So, while Charlie was at swim lessons in the evening, I fashioned some new drawstrings. When he returned home, he immediately tried them out.
And he was quite pleased! (And so was I - they look much cuter than the cording).
I was so excited about this project that I made another sack after the boys went to bed - this one is for Marcus. Charlie was quite irked that Marcus kept swiping his newly made bag yesterday, so I thought Marcus should have his very own.
He was pretty happy with his, too!I am searching for some easy sewing projects to do with Charlie. Sometimes Marcus naps for 3 hours (I know, I'm so lucky that they sleep so well - and it is total luck), and it is difficult to keep Charlie quiet in our small house so that Marcus can have all of the beauty sleep he needs. So, projects like this come in really handy. If you have a project to share with me, please leave me a comment with a link. Thanks!
And, even if you don't have a project to share, please leave me a comment. It makes me feel warm and fuzzy - or better yet, become a follower. That would make me smile a super huge smile. :)
how about some pillows made from fun car or tool fabric? easy squares with forms or stuffing. they can make forts or have pillow fights. OR a girly hobo sack for mom to keep all her special stuff!
ReplyDeleteER
Here's a warm, fuzzy comment for you: I love both the Hobo bags! I see some of them in my future--including one with a ruffle.
ReplyDeleteI can see these hobo bags made out of fabric at the top with a mesh lower half for toting toys/treasures to/from the beach---would let the sand fall out.
How about a sun hat project for you and Charlie? The free pattern at http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/free-downloads-pages-748.php is easy enough. I'm sure there are more free patterns posted at some cuter blogs but I'll let you find them :)
Another idea: placemats for the family made out of fabric that suits each person. Nice straight seams for Charlie to practice. And if he still likes sewing straight lines what about napkins?
I'm looking forward to seeing the ideas others post---not because I really NEED any more projects for my table, but just because it's fun.
I found this link a few weeks ago and had bookmarked it for a friend, but I think it may work for you,
ReplyDeleteSewing Projects for Boys
such cute bags!
Charlie was so proud of his bag. I'm happy I got to see it in person!
ReplyDeleteHow did you make the drawstrings? Are they just fabric? My new (geeky) project is reusable cloth bags for bulk food items at the grocery store. Out of old t-shirts. With felt pictures. Really geeky.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all of the ideas! Charlie will be so into making a sun hat for himself - he always tries to fit Marcus' hat onto his too-big head. The link for boys' projects is awesome, too. And, pillows would be so easy - an really no prep... I can just throw that project together for us to do in a few minutes. K, they are fabric. I did Charlie's by sewing down the side and turning it out (brutal) with a turning tool. For Marcus' I did them like homemade bias tape with the ends tucked under - much faster (and neater). Love the geeky bulk foods bags - you couldn't be greener if you tried.
ReplyDeleteTwo Pockets, can I put a link to your blog on my page? I hope your purple superhero is feeling better today.
Tom, he was so excited to show you! He couldn't wait to bring it to school.
You are such a great mom! Your boys are so lucky!!
ReplyDeleteI don't have any links or suggestions to share...I just wanted to let you know that I started to follow your blog a few weeks (maybe a month) ago. Your brother, Chris, is my son's godfather...we used to go to church together in Iowa. Anywho...your blog inspires me to have a sewing machine someday and do projects with my kiddos!
ReplyDeleteHi Shelly,
ReplyDeleteI would be honored to have you put a link to my blog on your page---although it's been a bit boring over at my blog lately because of the fevers and such. We're on the mend now though...fingers crossed...so I should be back to sewing soon!
Thanks!