Our Intro to Montessori and DIY Place Setting Mat

 

I’ve often beat myself up about not having a super specific focus for this here blog, but here’s the thing:

I don’t have just one specific focus in life.

And since this is really about things that we do and mostly things I make in my life, there is bound to be a huge variety of topics. Not just that, but as our family life evolves, so too will my posts and the projects I share within them.

Which brings me to Ben’s preschooling.

He is two and half. We’re not quite ready for “real” preschool (he nor I), but anyone who has had a two year old knows that this time can’t be taken for granted. He’s a sponge, I tell you. He is learning to explore and do things by himself, and without trying to sound too much like the overly-mushy mom, it’s really fun to witness.

While I’ve adopted more of a Montessori method for awhile now in how his learning toys and play space have been organized as well as how we treat our belongings and our approach to toys and learning in general,

with the start of this “school year”, we are taking on a more specific Montessori approach.

If you want more information about the Montessori method, there are plenty of great resources and explanations out there. I’m not going to tackle that here. At least not yet. What I will say is that Ben and I are learning as we go. We’re taking on new “works” as they seem to fit with our life (right now, he is obsessed with dry pouring, and we’ve just introduced transferring with tongs which he seems to really enjoy as well). I am amazed every time I introduce a new work to him. He often needs no explanation which is part of the beauty of Montessori. Every work has a built in control, so learning comes very naturally.

 

And now for the DIY bit…

 

Montessori works can be really expensive (and sometimes confusing)… for me anyway, and I really don’t think I’m the only one. Luckily I’ve been able to find many ways to put materials together from things I have around the house, purchases from the dollar store, or simply by making them myself. So I’ll be sharing them with you all as we go in the hopes that you can benefit from our successes and failures.

The first thing I wanted to share is

Ben’s Place Setting Mat

 

 

 

 

I’m starting simple and with materials many of you no doubt have around your house

Construction paper, glue, a pen, and laminate material or clear contact paper (optional but suggested)

 

 

 

 

There is no need for step by step directions here. I used Ben’s plate, cup, and flatware as a template,

cut them out of colored paper

labeled them

and glued them on in their appropriate places.

 

 

 

I have a laminating machine which I LOVE but this was too big to fit through, so I just used clear contact paper so it will wipe clean. Then I put all of the materials in a separate bin and put the mat and bin on his shelves. No lie, when he found them in the morning, he didn’t even wait for an explanation. He just saw something new and dove right in, immediately putting everything in its place and then told me, “I did it! Bweak-fas?”

 

 

 

 

 

You can buy these pretty cheap from the store, or really beautiful cloth ones on Etsy, but all in all this cost me under a dollar, and I didn’t have to leave me house. Craft hoarding for the win!

 

 

So that’s all for now. Keep checking back in for more DIY Montessori ideas!

Semi-Homemade Birthday Doll Set

Unsolicited frugal tip of the week:

Do your gift shopping after Christmas.

For obvious reasons, yes? EVERYTHING is on clearance.

I have a huge tupperware bin in my studio that is devoted solely to unassigned gifts,

things that I know I can gift eventually for birthdays, showers, and such.

Pretty much everything inside is something that I've purchased on way way way mark down.

And pretty much everything inside is something that I've purchased at post holiday clearance sales.

Being that there are so many children in my life,

and I seem to spend almost 3/4 of my time at baby or bridal showers,

here is what I always have in my magical gift bin,

and therefore what I'm always on the lookout for when searching the clearance aisle:

1) Bridal shower gifts.

Think kitchen utensils, tea towels, pyrex, wine glasses, cookbooks, etc.

Even if I buy something off the registry, I always jazz it up with utensils and some towels.

Way bigger bang for your buck.

2) Baby items.

Unisex newborn clothes for showers, swaddling blankets, little infant toys, etc.

See above about jazzing up a registry gift.

3) What I call "universal" toys.

These are toys like dolls, trucks, blocks, and the like.

Things that pretty much every kid plays with.

Not specific (Sorry kids, you will almost never get that crazy specific action figure on your Christmas list, but it doesn't mean Aunt Meg loves you any less).

Not to mention, have you seen the girls' toy aisle lately??? ick.

I mean really.... gross.

I've never seen so many overly curvaceous, bug-eyed, mid drift-showing dolls things in my life,

and frankly, I'm horrified.

So anyways...

I snagged this normalish baby doll after Christmas last year at Target for $2. Yes. Two.

She wasn't bug-eyed.

She wasn't wearing make up.

I know what you're thinking, newborns don't wear make up.

Ah yes, I'm a grown woman and at this point I rarely wear it myself,

but for some God-forsaken reason, there are (many!) baby dolls that are wearing eyeshadow?

Okay I'm done. Maybe.

Anyway, she came with a pacifier and a bottle and outfit and whatnot,

but I always like to add to a handmade touch to every gift,

so I made her some new clothes,

some dollie diapers with velcro,

and some itty bitty bibs.

The pattern for the dress can be found here.

I used velcro for all of the fastenings, so it would be easy for a 2 year old to change her.

For the diapers and bibs, I just drew a template first on paper and tweaked it to fit her.

As for fabrics, I used some that I had on hand,

cotton for the dresses and cozy flannel for the diapers and bibs.

Ben was psyched to give this gift to his friend, Lucy, for her birthday.

And he had a crazy good time, as always, at her house for the party.

For other ideas on how to "dress up" a doll gift, head over to my Pinterest board

"Education and Just for Fun Toys".

There are pins for baby doll carriers, bassinets, and all kinds of fun stuff.

Till next time!

Ben's Valentine's Gift

In the interest of "being real"

I must disclose that I'm not much of a Valentine's person.

Maybe it's all the pink (ick)

or the feeling of forced lovey-doveyness

or the fact that it falls in my least fave time of year...

probably "D", all of the above.

So really it's a minor miracle that this happened at all.

In my 1.5 year(s) of blogging, I don't have the best track record when it comes to V-day crafting

(see above statements).

Last year, I did complete my LOVE mini-quilt/banner,

but by the time I posted it, it was approximately 9 pm on the 14th.

you're welcome blogosphere.

No matter!

I did put together two of these quasi-valentine's gifts for Ben and his lady-friend, Lucy.

I originally intended them to be Christmas gifts,

and guess what?

Didn't order the books on time.

Shocking, I know.

All is well, t hough, because V day is about love

and there are few things that I love more than books.

and felt.

and kraft paper with twine.

The book is one of my favorites from childhood,

that I've been wanted to purchase for Ben since I got pregnant.

It's The Jolly Postman by Janet and Allen Ahlberg.

The gist: a postman delivers mail to different fairytale characters

The best part: yes, there's actual mail that you can open and read.

Take a look! It's in a book! Reading Rainbow!!!

To go with the books,

I got these cute little mailboxes from the dollar bins at Target.

Then made felt envelopes to put inside (tutorial below).

and some heart, of course.

Felt Mail Tutorial

Step One:

Cut felt as pictured here.

Easy enough, yes?

Step Two:

Sew on a rectangular "stamp" in contrasting color.

I zigzag stitched around to keep it in place.

On some of them, I also sewed a zigzag for the "writing".

Step Three:

Fold the envelope so the sides match up and sew along each side (as pictured)

I did some with a straight stitch and some with a zigzag stitch.

Step Four:

I sewed a crease into the top of some of the envelopes so the flap would stay down, and the others I just tucked the flap in.

And done!

So cute.

Wrap it up

and gift away!

Happy V Day, all!

Simple Baby Blanket [Tutorial]

I had the opportunity to make another baby shower gift basket last week (one of my fave projects to put together),

and I couldn't resist including some super cuddly fabrics.

 

I had some fleece and cozy flannel in my stock that were going really well with the colors of the basket,

so I put together a quick and simple blanket.

And since it was so gosh darn quick and so gosh darn simple,

I couldn't resist passing the steps along to you all (see below for tutorial/measurements).

 

While I love to challenge myself, I think it's good for me to remember that more time and more effort is NOT always better, yes? Simple is good, Meg. Simple is good.

 

Side note: this would be a perfect project for an older sibling to make for a new baby, especially if they're learning how to sew. It's that easy/kid friendly. :)

 

You'll Need:

about 1 yard fleece (or other cozy fabric)

about 1 yard flannel

regular sewing implements

 

Tip: you can sub the fleece for minky or other super soft knits, just beware that many of them are EXTREMELY stretchy and can give you some problems when sewing them together especially if you're a beginner.

 

Step One:

 

Cut your flannel.

Mine is is about the size of a typical receiving blanket, measuring at 30"x34".

  

I also used a circle template to round my corners.

I like the look of the rounded corners,

and *added bonus* if you're not a big sewist or you're using this as a kid-friendly project, it's nice to not have to tackle corners just yet. :)

 

 

Step Two:

 

Lay your flannel on your fleece with right sides facing and pin together. 

Tip: I find it easier to pin, sew, then trim the fleece as opposed to cutting your flannel and fleece to the same size and matching up the sides.

 

Step Three:

 

Sew the pieces together using the pressure foot as a guide

and leaving about 6 inches open to turn right side out.

 

Step Four:

 

Trim the excess fleece.












Score your rounded corners, being careful not to cut through your seam allowance.

This will help the blanket lay nicer at the corners.

 

Unpin, turn right side out, and iron flat, spending extra time at the seams so they lay as flat as possible.

Step Five:

 

Top stitch around the edge of the blanket.

At the 6 inch opening, make sure that you catch both fabrics to sew them together.

 

Step Six:

 

"Quilt" the blanket together.

I just sewed straight lines across the blanket from one side (at the top stitch seam) to the other,

and then again across in the other direction (perpendicular).

 

Done! See? I told you it was simple.

















I like to wrap it up like a little bundle for the "little bundle."
See what I did there?
:)













What are your favorite baby shower gifts?



Flower Newborn Hat {Crochet Pattern}

Wow! A lot of you have been trying out the newborn slippers,

and I'm so glad to hear it.

Always nice to know that I'm not typing all this out for my own sake

(although I guess that would be fine too).

 

And many of you have asked for the pattern for the matching hat.

Welp! Here it is!

 

If you've made the slippers, you'll find this hat super easy.

 

This is the size of hat that I give for moms-to-be at showers,

and I call it a "newborn" hat,

but those of you that know anything about newborn heads

know that they can vary greatly,

but no worries!

I think you'll find that this pattern is easy to add/subtract stitches to make the size you need.

 

So here we go:

 

I use a medium weight 100% cotton yarn and a 5 mm (size J) crochet hook.

*This one is Bernat 'Cottontots' in White and Pretty in Pink

 

I like the cotton because it's good for sensitive skin and it's nice and soft.

Cotton fibers don't stretch quite as much as some others, but if you've not worked with 100% cotton before, you'll acclimate quickly. I promise.

 

Abbreviations:

st- stitch

ch- chain

sc- single crochet

hdc- half double crochet

dc- double crochet

bpsc- back post single crochet

sl st- slip stitch

 

With Color A (mine was white), chain 3 and join to make a loop.

*you'll be making the hat by working around and around this loop.

Round 1: ch 2, 10 hdc in loop, sl st to join. (10 st)

Round 2: ch 2, 2 hdc in each st around, sl st to join. (20 st)

Round 3: ch 2, 2 hdc in next st, hdc in next st, continue in this manner around, sl st to join. (30 st)

Round 4: ch 2, 2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 2 st, continue in this manner around, sl st to join. (40 st)

Rounds 5 through 10- ch 2, hdc in each st around, sl st to join.

Rounds 11 through 12- switch to Color B (mine was pink), ch 2, hdc in each st around, sl st to join. bind off.

 

With Color B (for flower), chain 3, join making a loop.

*you'll also be working in the round for the flower.

Round 1: ch 1, 10 sc in the loop, sl st to join to your first sc.

Round 2: ch 1, sc in same st, ch 3, skip 1 sc, sc in the next st (one petal), continue around in this manner to make 5 petals total. For your last petal, after you ch 3, sl st to the first sc to join.

Round 3: ch 1, 5 dc in loop, ch 1, sl st in next sc, continue in this manner around for all 5 petals.

Round 4: ch 1, bpsc around the post of the sc from round 2, ch 5, continue in this manner around for 5 back petals. sl st to join.

Round 5: ch 1, 8 dc in the loop, ch 1, sl st in the next sc, continue in this manner around for all 5 back petals. bind off.

 

Attach your flower to your hat and weave in your ends.

Done and done!

 

 



Vinyl-Lined Makeup Bag {Tutorial}

In an effort to clean up my act workroom for the new year,

I was trying to use up some scraps of home decor fabric

(left over from making this clutch for a Christmas present)

and ended up whipping up these somewhat matching make up bags.

And as promised to all you Facebook 'likers'

the tutorial is down there below.

Scroll away.

They're not too big. Not too small.

Just right for you make up minimalists such as myself.

I lined them with vinyl so they would wipe clean.

You know how messy that make up can be and all...

You can see the first one I made had a thicker loop strap than the second.

And I can't decide if the strap is really necessary at all.

You be the judge.

 

 

 

Anyway, on to the good stuff...

Here's how you can make one.

 

 

Gather your goods.

You'll need:
about 1/4 yd. medium-weight fabric (I used some canvasy home decor fabric I had left over)
about 1/4 yard vinyl (tip: don't use really thick vinyl here because it will just make it more difficult to flip right side out)
1/4 yard iron on interfacing (optional)- I used Pellon #808 Craft Fuse Interfacing (also left over from making the clutch) *not pictured, also optional
one 9 inch zipper
matching thread
scotch tape
sewing machine with a zipper foot
heavy duty sewing needles. As you can see, I used "jean" needles.

Cut fabric and vinyl.

I like to get all my pieces cut and in place before I start anything.
You'll need:
two 10x9 inch rectangles of your exterior fabric.
two 10x9 inch rectangles of your interfacing (optional but recommended for a sturdier bag)
two 10x8.5 inch rectangles of your vinyl
and a 2x6 inch rectangle of your exterior fabric for the loop (also optional)



Sew the loop strap (optional).



Take your 2x6 inch piece of fabric and iron in half.















Then iron one raw edge to the middle crease.














And then the other.






Sew along both edges, close to the fold

so you end up with a piece that looks like this.
And set aside.











Prep your machine.

You can skip this next bit, but I don't recommend it... ;)
First, place a piece of scotch tape on the bottom of your zipper foot.












And then trip it down.
I used my smaller scissors to press it into the needle slots on either side.




Next, put a piece of scotch tape on either side of your sewing surface on your sewing machine.

*The tape will help the vinyl move along the surface at a normal pace. Otherwise, it likes to stick.
And by "likes" I mean "loves". Vinyl loves to stick.

Attach your zipper foot to your machine.
Okay, now on to the fun stuff...

Sew your vinyl to your zipper.



With the zipper pull to the left and facing down (as pictured),
sew the 10 inch side of your vinyl to the zipper.
I find it's best not to pin anything,
just take your time here.
Patience is key...
and always know where your zipper pull and zipper stops are.
Nothing more annoying than breaking a needle. Am I right or am I right?








Once you sew as far as the zipper pull,
with the needle in the down position,
raise your zipper foot and gently













move the zipper pull to the back of your work, out of the way.
Now lower your zipper foot and finish up the seam.














Nice.










Now repeat for the other side of the zipper with the other piece of vinyl.
Don't worry if it's not perfect,
you can (and should) trim down the vinyl later to fit nicely into the bag,
so you can even everything out then.


Attach your interfacing (optional).








Iron your interfacing onto your pieces of exterior fabric until they are stuck together.
Follow the directions for the interfacing that you are using.
Iron on interfacing is pretty self-explanatory, yes?












Now iron under 1/2 inch along the 10 inch side of your exterior pieces (as shown).




Sew your exterior pieces.













Lay one of your exterior pieces (right side facing up) lined up with your zipper.
The zipper pull should be facing up and on the left side (as pictured).

Sew your exterior pieces to the zipper as you did the vinyl, sewing as close the zipper (without hitting it!) as you can.
Remember to be mindful of your zipper pull and zipper stops,
moving the pull out of the way as you did before.

Repeat for the other side.

With the vinyl out of the way, sandwich the exterior pieces together, right sides facing each other.

If you're attaching a loop, put your rough ends together












and place in between the exterior pieces
up by the zipper as shown.
Pin in place.












Continue to pin the exterior pieces together all the way around.









Sew the pieces together, using your pressure foot as a guide.
You can see that I just left my zipper foot on.
Am I lazy or efficient?
Either way, you can switch to a regular foot if you like.













Looking good.

Trim off the excess from the loop.








Now, trim down your corners.
Obviously you don't want to cut the seam you just sewed,
but trim enough off that you'll be able to make a clean corner when your flip it right side out.









Next, pinch your corners,
lining up your seams like shown.

Tip: I've found that it helps to use the edge of the table for this part.













 
Using a straight edge, draw a line that measures 3 inches
perpendicular to the seam you just sewed
as shown...

















Sew along this line,
and then trim off the corner.

Repeat for the other corner.










At this point, you'll want to move your zipper pull so most of the zipper is open.
This will make it easier to turn out later.


Sewing the vinyl.










Sandwich the vinyl sides together as you did the exterior fabric.
Trim it up so the sides meet if you need to.













Make a mark 2 1/2 inches from the corner on each side.













Can you see them?











Now, sew from the mark to the zipper on each side,
using the pressure foot as a guide.
Again, take your time.
If you try to the push the vinyl through the machine, it will just stick even more.












Next, trim up your corners,


























and make the same pinched corners are you did with the exterior fabric,
except you want the seam to measure 2 1/2 inches.
(that way the vinyl will fit nicely into the bag)

Sew along the line.

Repeat for the other corner.



Turn the bag out.






 

You're now going to turn your bag right side out.

The vinyl will stick to itself.

You may get frustrated.

But as much as you might want to man handle it,

DON'T.

The vinyl can tear and you'll rip out all of your seams which would be infinitely more frustrating.

Lesson: treat it like a lady, and you won't have to start all over again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now pinch the open seam in the vinyl together.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And sew the hole closed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pop the vinyl back into the bag.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And you're finished!

 

 

I hope everything was clear as a bell.

As always, let me know if it's not and I can try to clarify things.

 

All in all, I thought this was a nice simple project,

and a good excuse to do a little "selfish sewing".

I honestly am not sure what the last thing was that I actually sewed for myself!

 

 

Oh yeah, and happy new year everyone!