Beginning of school projects abound

It's that time of year again - back to school!

This year, we have a first grader in the house.  Her little IKEA craft table wasn't cutting it anymore - her sewing machine barely fit on it, and she was hunched over sewing.  Time for a grown up desk.



Enter this guy from Salvation Army.  I loved the slightly smaller size, but still lots of storage and space for homework and a sewing machine.



Here it is after MANY days of sanding off that ugly dark brown stain and finish!  Already looking better.



And here it is done!  I had to negotiate a bit so the whole thing didn't end up magenta, but I think Little E did well with the drawer pulls.  Stay tuned for the matching (and I mean hot pink) stool I'm working on now.



With the desk finally done, and Little E sewing up a storm, I had some time to get back to my machine too.  First up, some snack sacks for three friends starting new schools.  Pattern based on this tutorial. 

Next up, a book sling for Little A.  She starts preschool this year and was in need of a spot for her books.  Remember the one I made for Little E?  That was already 3 years ago!



Last but not least, I couldn't resist this "apple for the teacher".  Based on this tutorial and using this pattern, I sewed this up the morning school started (it's super quick).  I have another one for Little A's teacher for next week, too.  

Phew!  I think that makes us officially ready for the start of school!  Now, to get to some selfish sewing (and a giveaway for all of you)...stay tuned...

Teeny tiny snack sacks tutorial

I will warn you: these are a little addictive to make (maybe because I keep using food-related fabric?).
If you are up for the temptation, you will need:



one 10.5" x 3.5" piece of ripstop nylon (or liner of your choice)
one 10.5" x 3.5" piece of cotton fabric
one 2" piece of velcro (poky and soft sides)

Sew the soft velcro in the center of one end of the nylon, positioned 3/4" down from edge.

Fuse wrong side of fabric to wrong side of nylon.
**If using a directional print, turn it upside down and keep velcro at top.**

Here it is fused with velcro on the inside.

Round top corners.

Finish opposite short end (serge or zigzag or bias tape, as in this tutorial).  Sew poky velcro 1" down from finished edge and centered on the fabric.

Fold bottom edge up 3.5".  Finger press fold.  If you have a craft label, sew on now.

Starting at the bottom corner, serge (or otherwise finish) around the snack sack, ending at the other bottom corner.  Fray check ends of stitching.

  

 Pack some cookies and enjoy your new teeny tiny snack sack!

Teeny tiny snack sacks

 We have a Daisy Girl Scout in our house (and a Daisy Girl Scout leader!).  Do you know it's almost Girl Scout Cookie time in New England?

Almost as good as those tasty Samoas is a teeny tiny snack sack to pack them in!  (Disclaimer: this is NOT a tasty Samoa featured but a cheap Target cookie - the good stuff isn't in yet!)

Just the right size for one cookie for a special lunch treat...

...and just the right size for little fingers. 

Would you like to make some?  Check back tomorrow for the tutorial.

P.S. This would also make a great change purse, small gift bag, envelope for little love notes.

Super-sized snack sack tutorial

Remember these? 

After making a few for friends and the girls, I made 20 for little A's birthday!  I think I have the process down, and so am here to share it with you!

 

You will need:

one piece of duck cloth 8" x 20"

one piece of cotton quilting weight 8" x 20"

one set of Velcro 3" long

1 yard 1/2" double-fold bias tape in coordinating color

optional (for label): 1" wide cotton twill tape

iron-on transfer paper

 

 

 

Step 1: Baste cotton quilting fabric to duck cloth.  I'm a big fan of the basting spray!

 

 

 

Step 2: Baste short ends together with a 1/4" seam allowance (or less). 

Step 3: Round corners on Velcro.  I just found my scrapbooking corner rounder and it works on Velcro!  Much easier than eyeballing and cutting with scissors.

Step 4: Mark center of each short end.

Step 5: Sew pokey Velcro to front and soft Velcro to inside top.  Be sure to leave at least a 1/2" from the raw edge to the top of the Velcro.   If you have a directional print, make sure it is facing UP where you sew the pokey Velcro.

Step 6: Sew bias tape across top front.  Trim any bias tape sticking out on either side.

Step 7: Fold snack sack up from bottom to 8".  Flap should measure 4".  Press in place...

...and baste sides to above bias tape.

Step 8: Using a round object (can you tell I sew in the playroom?), trace a curve at each flap corner...

...and cut along this curve.

Step 9: Fold in end of bias tape (like this), tuck snack sack in between bias tape, and overlap the tape about 1".

Fold the bias tape toward the back.

Step 10: Sew around the entire snack sack, stretching bias tape gently around corners.  When you get close to the other bottom edge, fold in the ends of the bias tape...

...fold towards the back, and finish sewing. 

Here it is! 

 

 

Optional: To make a label for the bag, follow this tutorial from Patchwork Pottery . 

Cut the twill tape and fold the ends under.

Sew the label onto your snack sack and you are done!

Now, be crazy like me and decide to make 20 for party favor bags!

Have fun making these and deciding how to use them (makeup, puzzles, art supplies, gift bags, etc!)

 

Super-sized snack sacks

Somebody in our house started kindergarten today! 

 

She now has to bring snack to school. 

What's a crafty momma to do but make up a super-sized snack bag?

 

Big enough to fit a few items and have it all packed neatly in one spot.  With so many new routines to learn, who needs to be fumbling for snack every day?

Of course, little sis got her own too.  Even if it was just to sit in the living room and snack!

 

Hope your little ones are as enthusiastic and excited for school as that crazy girl up there!