Upcoming Sewing Projects

My kids are going to be learning how to sew by doing simple projects. I have searched endlessly online to find projects that would not only keep them interested but would be useful around the house. Another key point for projects I will pick - is if it can be made using scrap fabric or old clothing material.

Since we still have the sniffles around here I thought this would be a good one for them to do tomorrow. There is a wonderful tutorial on how to make one here.

~Travel Tissue Holder~

This is not my picture, but here is what an example would be of a finished travel tissue holder.

And here is a project because it is supposed to get really cold here again by mid-week. These will be fun to make in time for the cold and go outside to show them off and to play. Hopefully, our sniffles will not get any worse after making these.

~ Fleece Hat and Scarf~

Materials:

1 yard fleece
Thread
Scissors
Punch

Directions for Hat:

1. Cut rectangle of fleece 14" for length x the circumference of head, having the long dimension parallel to the selvage.

2. Fold rectangle in half along the width, matching short ends. Sew long edge. Sew one short edge. Turn right side out.

3. Roll back opposite short end as desired to form brim of hat.

4. Punch hole in both of the top corners of hat. Attach pom poms (see instructions below).

Directions for Scarf:

1. Cut 9” x 50” rectangle of fleece, with long dimension running from selvage to selvage.

2. Punch holes as desired on each end of scarf. Attach pom poms (see instructions below).

Directions for Pom Poms:

1. Cut three rectangles of fleece, each 3” x entire width of fleece.

2. Fold each rectangle intothirds. Stitch lengthwise down center of rectangles. Trim long edges to create 2-1/4"-wide strip. Save trimmings to be used as ties in Step 4.

3. On long edges, cut every 1/4" to within 1/4" of line of stitching.

4. Cut strip into 6" lengths. Roll each length tightly along stitching line. Using narrow strips from Step 2 as ties, wrap tightly around center of pom pom and knot; leave ends of ties long in order to secure pom poms to hat or scarf. Fluff up pom pom by rolling between palms of your hands.

TIP: Use very sharp scissors or sharp rotary cutter to cut fleece.

Another project I have in mind is using all their old jeans that no longer fit. Maybe taking the pockets off all the pairs and sewing them onto the leg piece of one pair to make an organizer that they can hang up and use. Also making book covers from jean fabric and sewing a pocket from the jeans to the front, that way we can carry their book and writing utensils all at the same time.

Anyhow, the idea is to get them learning how to sew and doing one or two of these projects a week. Again the main goal is to make sure that the items created can be used so we are not adding to our "junk" piles.