Scrappy Sewing

Ever since I got my sewing machine last year, I've been drawn to simple small projects that mostly can be done with scraps.  I wanted to create a list of some of the things I've sewn, and now I see that they are mostly kid related.  I'm a very novice sewer, and I can promise you that if I can do any of these projects, then so can you.  Just click on the links below to find the blog tutorials!

Quilted Patchwork Baby Bibs

Great for showing off those little scraps of fabric you love. 

Very simple tutorial, and just requires batting and Velcro as extra supplies.

Super Hero Cape

Super Clare to the rescue!  This was Clare's "Santa" gift this year.  His elves were very proud of it.  We decided to come up with Clare's own shield instead of just copying superman, so you can get creative.  The cape does require buying more than a fat quarter of fabric, which I never like.  The Shield was made with felt sheets and double sided fusible web.

Magnetic Fishing Game

My very first sewing project, and a big hit with the kids. 

It can help with counting, color recognition, and fine motor skills for toddlers.

Square Pin Cushion

Okay, this project really doesn't revolve around kids, but I really loved it.  While it's not the best pin cushion in the world (pins stick out the bottom and stab you when you pick it up), it's a great way to always be able to see some of your favorite fabric scraps in use!  You could be creative and turn it into a ring holder for a wedding or pillow for your kids favorite doll

Toddler Tee-Pee

I had the most fun with this project, and the best part was that it cost around $10 to make!  The fabric is a twin sheet you buy at a Goodwill, and the polls are cheap PVC.  The best part about this is that when the kids are done playing hide and seek it folds up and can easily be hidden in a closet to get your floor space back.  I spray painted the PVC just to give it a more white color and used simple acrylic paint for the grass and stars.  I adapted the tutorial to fit my own aesthetic a bit, so go with what moves you.

Crayon Roll Up
Great beginners project and great Birthday present for kids!

Twin Boy's Onesies

No tutorial on this one, because I came up with it on the fly.  Clearance sale onesies tea bag dyed light brown.  Then use double sided fusible web to attach cut outs.  Lastly, zig-zag sew around the outer edges.  These were made for my friend having twins, but the options are limitless.

At Your Name

Coincidences are never just coincidences.  At least that's how I've always viewed life.  Today in the middle of my hum-drum monotonous housewife life, I was stopped in my tracks and reminded of my purpose.

Thursday's are my day off.  My Mom takes care of Clare during the day, and I normally fill my time off with hours of television and roaming around store after store with little a care in the world.  Today though, I've been deep cleaning the house in preparation for my in-laws visit this weekend.  I filled my hours with my usual glamorous duties; scrubbing the toilets, cleaning cat litter, laundry, sweeping, vacuuming, and moping.

Having a 3 year old normally attached to my hip, I fill our house with Christian music that praises God.  There is nothing like hearing your little angel start singing Lady Gaga explicit lyrics to make you change your listening preferences.  So normally when she's not around, I love to clean to every top 40 station I can listen too.  But today is part of Lent, and continuing a tradition that started in college, I'm only listening to Christian music as part of my sacrifice.  And yes, I consider not getting to rock out to Adele a sacrifice. 

As I was sweeping around the kitchen table, Phil Wichham's song, At Your Name, began to play on the radio.  I was only half way listening and more concerned with the odd colored sticky blob stuck on Clare's booster seat when I was stopped in my tracks. 

Lyrics for At Your Name

At Your name  [I heard a loud vibration sound come from the entry hall]

The Mountains shake and crumble [Vibration stopped so I went back to sweeping]

At Your name [The loud vibration was back and I could tell it was coming from on top of the door]

The oceans roll and tumble [The vibration stops again]

At Your name [The loud sound comes from the Crucifix I have hanging over the door]

Angels will bow, the earth will rejoice, Your people cry out  [I stand on top of a nearby chair and feel the vibrations from the crucified Jesus as the song plays on]

It was an extraordinary moment where God stopped me in my tracks and reminded me of my closeness with Him.  It was a moment where I felt God telling me that the annoying and menial tasks that fill my life as a stay at home Mom do matter.  As St. Therese wrote, "What matters in life is not great deeds, but great love."

So for everyone out there stuck cleaning out the work coffee pot, picking cheerios out of the carpet, or balancing the your tight budget, know that even though this will not get you loud praises, it will make you a better person in the end.

Science Geek

      Did you know I was a science fair geek?  I was that weird kid that actually got excited to do a project every year.  I was that kid that spent hours creating an awesome board display.  I was that kid that was afraid they were going to have a heart attack as they walked up to their board to see if they won a ribbon. 

    I don't mean to brag, but I have a box of 1st and 2nd place trophies in my mom's storage shed with my name on them.  Okay, so they're not mantle worthy, but they mean to much for me to throw away.  My best friend, Anna, and I had three glorious years going to the regional science fair after placing at our school, CTK.  I present this picture as proof, and not just something to laugh at!

 
Oh my, I had so much hair back then.  And look at those arms.  I couldn't have weighed more than 90 pounds soaking wet.

But let's back on topic.  Last week, I came full circle in my geek life.  I was a judge at the Christ the King science fair.  I can't tell you how bad I was freaking out about this.  It was all I could hope for and more; horribly over decorated boards, preteens sweating and stuttering in nervousness, judges trying to hide their boredom over another plant growing project, and a few projects that blew you away with potential.  It was a blast!  I loved being able to just look at a board and see if it was a winner or not.  It brought back so many memories.  I am so thankful I was asked to judge, and would love to do it every year from now on out.