Shot Put Bag

Posted on May 1, 2013 by CraftyStaci

I’ve spent the last eight springs watching one or both of my kids’ throw the shot put at track meets. This year, I’ve actually been the official at a couple of my son’s meets. Let me just say, nothing is more fun than telling teenage boys who are ten times your size what to do.

When my son told me the bottom had fallen out of the bag they use to carry their shots, I figured I could probably do something about that. He brought it home and I realized it needed to be replaced, rather than repaired. The hardware was still good, but the fabric was shot. Ba-dum-bum.

The original bag was made from lined vinyl, but I had some ballistic nylon lying around from one of my husband’s projects. Either one would work, and for that matter you could also use denim or a heavy duck.

I used the old bag as my pattern, leaving out the short zipper on one side and the snaps on the top, since the boys don’t use them anyway. I cut a circle for the bottom of the bag that measured 7” across and a piece 16 by 22 inches for the rest of the bag. I also dug up some new webbing for the handles. The two D-rings, two clips and plastic tube were from the old bag.

Fold the top edge (one of the 22” sides) under 1/2” and again 2”. Press. Stitch close to the inner fold and near the top fold. Cut a piece of webbing 20” long. Slip a D-ring on and fold the end under 1 1/4”. Stitch near the D-ring. Repeat on the opposite end of the webbing. Measure 5 1/8” from the edge on both sides of the bag and mark.

At the mark, lay the D-ring with the ring toward the top of the bag, even with the edge, and the end of the webbing facing up. Two inches from the bottom of the ring, fold the webbing back up over itself. Box stitch under the D-ring. Repeat on the other side, making sure not to twist the webbing.

Fold the bag right sides together with the handle at the top. Stitch down the side, 1/2” from the edge. Zigzag over the edge for added strength and to finish the seam.

Stitch the circle onto the bottom edge with a 1/2” seam. I matched the edges as I went, but I’ll admit it didn’t match up perfectly and I ended up having to add a pleat. It worked out fine, but you might want to pin it into place before you start sewing. After the bottom is in place, stitch around it again in the seam allowance at least one more time. I did it twice. Zigzag over the edge. Turn the bag right side out.

Cut a piece of webbing 43 inches long. Slide a hook on one end, turn under 1/2”, then an additional 1”. Box stitch. Repeat on the other end. If you have the plastic tube for carrying it on a shoulder, be sure to slide that on before adding the second hook.

Clip the hooks onto the D-rings, throw in the shots and you’re ready to go!

The bag has already attended a meet or two, and the boys are happy with it. Because they didn’t buy it, no one has one like it and it’s easy to spot. Score one for mom.

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Sock Monkey

Posted on March 13, 2013 by CraftyStaci

My first mistake was thinking I was going to go make a sock monkey real quick. He will never get a brother and I nicknamed him Lumpy, but he’s finished and my daughter loves him. That’s what counts.

Codi had to move to a new dorm room last week, and I was trying to come up with a little dorm-warming present for her. She had mentioned several months ago that she loves sock monkeys and I happened to find these fun socks, so it seemed like a great idea.

I used the tutorial from Craft Passion. It’s a great tutorial, and most of the hiccups I faced were my own fault.

What’s cuter than a basket of sock monkeys? Well, Craft Passion’s sock monkeys at least.

I don’t think starting with knee socks was the best idea. It makes for very long legs, arms and tail, which are very difficult to stuff. I didn’t have any problem cutting the pieces though. Her illustration made it easy.

I made my seams too skinny and had to sew some of them a second time when they started popping loose. I also didn’t leave the area for turning large enough, so my sock developed a run when it was pulled too much. I was able to stitch it up, but it added more time to my already very long project. These socks were a very stretchy nylon, so I think a natural fiber with less stretch would work better.

I had a little difficulty with the method for stuffing the tail, but I think it’s because I pulled it too hard and the batting broke. Again, all me.

In the end, Lumpy took 4 hours to finish. Take a look at those arms and you might understand how he got his name.

When I was finished, I showed him to my son, who looked at me like I had just had a conversation with a potted plant. The look of relief when I told him I didn’t make one for him was almost insulting.

As I said before though, the girl with whom Lumpy will be spending his days thought he was adorable. She was even surprised when I said I made him. That, or someone did a great job teaching her some manners.

New Year’s Eve Memory Page

Posted on December 31, 2012 by CraftyStaci

When my daughter started college in the fall, she mentioned that she thought it would be fun to write down some of the things she’s thinking, feeling and doing right now so she can look at it again when she graduates to see how she’s changed. That’s something I’ve always wished I would have done with the kids for the new year, so I decided it’s never too late. I made up a sheet with different prompts they can fill out, then stash away for blackmail material later. I mean, share with them when they’re older, mature young adults.

Here’s the printable:

These are the categories I used, and what I had in mind for each. Of course, you can interpret them any way you’d like.

The upper left box is for a current photo
Listening – music
Watching – TV, movies
Reading – books, magazines
Loving – important people
Surfing – favorite websites or online activities
Creating – music, art, sports, writing, etc. - I feel like this could be a broad category
Enjoying – hobbies, clubs, etc.
Eating – favorite foods and drinks
Waiting – future hopes and goals
Admiring – people influencing their lives
Achieving – notable accomplishments
Being – a brief self-description
Feeling – that one’s probably self-explanatory
Hoping – what they’re wishing for
Wearing – favorite clothes, shoes, etc.
Believing – what they believe in

You’ll notice most of the boxes are pretty small. I thought about spreading this over a couple of pages, but realized I had a better chance of participation if it didn’t look like I was assigning winter break homework.

Have a safe, happy New Year!

Friday Favorites–Gifts for Kids

Posted on November 30, 2012 by CraftyStaci

I’m going to start this by saying I love every single thing I’m about to share with you today. You’re probably thinking something like “Well, duh, it’s Friday FAVORITES. Of course it’s stuff you like.” But this particular batch of projects is just full of things I adore. With all my heart, I’d love to make everything here. Unfortunately, time and the lack of appropriately aged recipients will prevent that, but please tell me you’ll make them!

I wish every kid was taught to sew. Nothing complex, but it’s amazing to me how many grown people don’t know how to repair a hole or sew on a button. Start them off right with this Child’s Sewing Kit from Chez Beeper Bebe.

Thanks to social media, it would be really easy to obtain all the photos you’d need to make this Personalized Guess Who Game from obSEUSSed.

I love how Make the Best of Everything used things that should be easy to find to make this Homemade Detective Kit.

It would take some time to get all the photos aligned just right for these Interchangeable Blocks from Meaningful Mama, but so worth it.

Think creatively and this DIY Pretend Spy Kit from Inner Child Fun would be pretty easy to assemble.

I think a side effect of making this Finger Puppet Kit from The Craft Nest is a assortment of new fingerless gloves!

This Dinosaur Bag from Lark Crafts is cute, but paired with the hat (which is a project from the Fleece Hat Friends book) it’s adorable.

I Can Teach My Child says they were able to put together this Science Kit for Kids for under $20. Visit the site for the free printable Fascinating Science for Kids ebook and matching gift tags.

This Summertime Traveling Art Kit from Everyday is a Holiday is so pretty. There’s no reason to confine it to summer!

This Book of the Month Club from Make the Best of Everything is a fantastic idea. What book-loving kid wouldn’t love to open a new one every month for a year? I’m no kid, but I’m adding this to my wish list.

I’d like to take a minute to give a little love to a couple of great gift guides that have included my projects recently. Malt-O-Meal has a DIY Green Holiday Gift Guide on Facebook that features my coffee cup sleeves and Earth911 used my ribbon candy ornaments in their Double Your Use of Common Holiday Items guide. Both of these links have many other fun projects you should check out!

Friday Favorites–Counting Down to Christmas

Posted on November 9, 2012 by CraftyStaci

It’s early, yes. But just remember, when you find one of these cute methods to countdown to Christmas that you must have you’re going to need time to gather materials and make it. Doesn’t feel early now, does it?

I have to start with this Slush Recycling Advent Calendar from Rock N Doll. Now I know what I can do with some of my Starbucks cups!

This cube-style DIY Advent Calendar from Pippijoe Diary would be fun to pile into a bowl or basket.

There’s a good chance you have the supplies on hand to make this clothespin countdown from Kirsty Wiseman.

This Advent Calendar Book from Homework would be handy if you’ll be traveling with little ones close to the holidays.

I love this puzzle countdown from Milk and Cookies. It’s assembled as the holiday approaches.

This matchbox Christmas Advent from Bubbly Funk is a little more complicated than some, but so pretty it’s worth it.

Technically, this Family Chalkboard and Command Center from 504 Main is not an advent calendar. But wouldn’t it be cute as one? You could write different activities or memories on all the spaces while you count down. After Christmas, it could still serve it’s original command center purpose. Bonus!

This Toilet Paper Roll Advent Calendar from The Duty Chronicles is adorable. I vote for hanging it on the bathroom door. The outside, of course.

I’ve seen a lot of these takeout boxes in different colors and patterns at the craft store lately, so making this advent calendar from Sarah Bearah shouldn’t be much trouble.

This last one is my favorite. You might wonder why, since it isn’t the most decorative or colorful. But click through and read the story behind this Random Acts of Kindness from TSJ Photography and you’ll understand. True meaning of Christmas? Oh, yes.

Fleece Robe

Posted on March 19, 2012 by CraftyStaci

There are certain things kids should learn before they grow up and leave home – how to do laundry, how to cook at least a few simple dishes, where to find the electric company’s phone number when the power goes out, how to put out a grease fire – the basics. One of these things that I don’t think most kids are taught anymore is how to sew.

If you don’t have a do-it-yourself household, you might think “Why do they need to know how to sew?” Do you really want them to have to throw away a pair of pants because a button falls off? The curtains are trash because the cat tore the hem out on the bottom? The seam rips in their favorite pillow so they have to go buy a new one? Even if you don’t plan to start making all your own clothes or constructing elaborate home decorating projects, knowing the basics of how to use a needle and thread is important.

Codi is pretty proficient with hand and machine sewing, but Tucker hadn’t sewn much and wanted a robe. His room is in the basement, by choice, and it’s colder down there than the rest of the house. I saw it as a good opportunity to coach him through a sewing project and he was on board. We found a pattern, bought some fleece and he cut the entire thing out himself.

He got to use all my fancy tools. I had probably never let him touch my Gingher scissors before.

Fast forward to two years later. The robe pieces were still sitting in a bag in my sewing room. We hadn’t managed one stitch. I asked him if he’d like to finish it, to which he replied “Will you sew if for me Mom? Please?” I caved, for several reasons, not the least of which was that I just wanted that big bag out of my sewing room.

It took me less than an hour to stitch up. Because it was fleece, I didn’t use any of the interfacing the pattern called for, didn’t have to finish any seams and just turned the edges in and sewed for the hem on the bottom and sleeves. This is the pattern we used, although there are about a million fleece robe patterns out there, all pretty much the same.

The surprise was the boot-like slippers we found cut out in the bag. Neither of us remember cutting them out and I don’t think we would have done it intentionally because Tucker has giant feet. We’re talking 14’s here, so it didn’t seem likely they would fit anyway. I decided to go ahead and sew them up, thinking they could go to my daughter.

I didn’t have any of that stuff you use on the bottom so slippers aren’t slippery but we have wood floors, so I didn’t want to leave them with just fleece. I used rubber drawer liner, which looks very similar to some stuff I had for putting under a rug to keep it from sliding around. I don’t know how long it will survive, but it’s working out well. And they fit him!

I’m trying to come up with another project to help him gain some sewing skills. Of course, I thought of that again right after I sewed a button back on his pants for him a few days ago. I’ve got to get to this before I run out of time or else he’ll be running back home every time he needs a stitch in something. Wait a minute…

Friday Favorites–Gifts for Kids

Posted on December 9, 2011 by CraftyStaci

My favorites this week cover that smallest group in the family – the kidlets. The catch here is that if you have little kids it’s just a tiny bit harder to make ANYTHING, but they have to sleep sometime.

This Felt Car Mat/House from Cook Clean Craft is so portable and adorable.

My favorite part of the Schneeky Schnake from Holloughby is that he can wrap around stuff. I’m picturing some little guy running around with this around his arm.

I’ve seen lots of guitar pillows, but this Ukulele Pillow from Sew4Home is a first. I like the fact that the strings are rows of stitching, rather than actual strings like some others, as I’d be concerned about the strangulation hazard if they were to sleep with it.

This mounted zebra head from iLoveToCreate is going to require a kid with a good sense of humor and a low freak-out threshold. That said, my son would have loved it when he was younger. Actually, he might take one now if I avoided that pink.

Speaking of my son, when he was about 4 years old my husband made him a tool bench for Christmas. We had the HARDEST time trying to find toy tools that year. Now, they’re everywhere, of course, making it a lot easier to find what you need to fill this Toy Tool Belt from Monkey See, Monkey Do.

These cute little Monster Tissue Pouches from Maker*Land would be great stocking stuffers or teacher gifts.

At 18 years old, my daughter would STILL love one of these Wooden Crayon Peg Boards from Lines Across My Face. That girl can spend hours arranging things in rainbow order. Among her favorites are Skittles, crayons, Legos and my Fiesta ware.

Topping this play table with chalkboard paint was a stroke of genius. Thanks to I Heart Organizing for the instructions.

Oh, Angry Birds, you’re everywhere I turn! This Angry Birds Can Toss Game from Homemade Beauties by Heidi will get them off the electronic version and moving.

Another cultural phenomenon right now are those pillow-animal-things. I’ve never taken a close look at them, but I’m glad to see this Brown Bear Pillow tutorial from Sugar Bee Crafts so you can make your own.

Only a few crafting days left until Christmas!

Homemade Halloween Costumes

Posted on October 31, 2011 by CraftyStaci

As my daughter keeps reminding me, she is technically an adult now. And her brother is only two years behind her. I think my big costume-making days are over. I still have to help them throw something together most years, but it’s more of a last minute thing than some of the lengthier projects I’ve pulled off in the past.

It only seems right to start with the first costume I ever made. I was 18 or 19 and the store I worked for was having a contest. The best Halloween costume would win $50. I decided I wanted to win, so I spent at least $50 on fabric and supplies to make myself into a belly dancer. Oh, yeah…I won.

I honestly can’t remember how much of this little ballerina was actually my work and how much was store-bought, but I can tell you a LOT of my time went into the knight in shining armor next to her.

My daughter has intended to marry Batman since she was four, which hasn’t changed, so it was inevitable that one year she would have to be Batgirl. I didn’t have the heart to tell her that wasn’t how it worked.

I was pretty proud of how this Anakin Skywalker costume turned out. The very next year he was a store-bought Darth Vader.

Bat-boy and a costume we referred to as “Dead 50’s Girl.”

One of my all-time favorites…Hermione and Harry Potter.

Store-bought or homemade, have a fun, safe and happy Halloween!

Friday Favorites–Felt Food

Posted on October 7, 2011 by CraftyStaci

It’s time to come out with it – I completely love felt food. If I would have known it was a thing when my kids were small, they could have opened a restaurant with all the felt food I would have made for them. They’re lucky I don’t make it now, in lieu of the real stuff. Felt Pad Thai? Felt Tacos? How about Felt Leftovers?

The first link I remember saving was to the Gulf Coast Cottage Etsy shop. One of my favorites is this Peanut Butter and Jelly Lunch pattern. How can you not love felt cheese doodles?

How about noodles for dinner? Visit Treasures for Tots to make this Felt Tortellini and Pasta Tin.

What’s better with pasta than a Creative Salad from The Creative Salad?

Maybe you’d rather have pizza? Helping Little Hands shows you how to make this cute version as part of her Felt Food Cook-Along.

Don’t forget a side of Carrots from Art Threads. I love the stitching on the greens.

So, you’ve had your lunch, dinner and veggies – it’s time for dessert! What better place to start than this Ice Cream Sundae from Lark Crafts?

Maybe you’re settling in for a movie. You’re going to need Felt Movie Snacks from Craftiness is Not Optional.

You’re going to wake up the next morning, still craving felt food. That’s just how it is. Fill the void with Bacon and Eggs from The Gunny Sack.

For a little something sweet to go with the rest of your breakfast, try this Felt Cinnamon Roll from Smashed Peas and Carrots.

Personally, I want this Starbucks Felt Play Set from Sew Homegrown. I’m trying to ignore the fact that it says it’s for two year olds. I can set it on my desk every time I feel sorry for myself that Starbucks doesn’t deliver to the boonies.

Many of these sites have additional felt food projects, so if you’re as obsessed as I am, be sure to check them out!

Friday Favorites–Superheroes

Posted on September 30, 2011 by CraftyStaci

My favorite superhero just got promoted at work and we’re having a party tomorrow to celebrate, so it seemed fitting that the theme for my favorites this week should be superheroes.

We’re a family full of fans. My daughter drives a little black car with a giant Batman symbol on the hood. I have Wonder Woman stuff floating around everywhere. My husband had an Ironman themed birthday party a couple of years ago. We’re dedicated.

As soon as I find out where to get cookie cutters shaped like a bikini top and a onesie, I’ve got to try these Wonder Woman cookies from Bake at 350.

Batman is a pretty ingenious guy, so I’m betting he built his Bat-signal from a Papasan chair, just like Instructables user Orvis.

Speaking of Batman, check out this amazing Batman Birthday from Fryman Four. Lots of great ideas, but my favorite is the simple way she made these tables remind you of Batman and Robin.

I have mixed feelings about this Comic Book Banner from One Charming Party. I love old comic books, and would hate to see them torn apart, but this banner is so fun I just have to believe the books were beyond saving.

This Superhero Snack Box from Alphamom would be a great gift for the guy who’s always saving the day.

My son would never have taken off this Rocket Man Jet Pack from Sewing in No Mans Land. He probably would have tried to sleep in it.

I love how this Superhero Cap and Power Cuff from the Southern Institute is all made from a big t-shirt.

Maybe you have a superhero fan who feels they’re a little too old for the cape? These Superhero Shoes from Minimoz are a little more subtle.

My daughter would LOVE this Kapow Headband from Etsy seller janinebasil.

If you’re a diehard fan and aren’t afraid to show the world, or at least your neighborhood, you need some Superhero Garden Gnomes from Instructables user The Papier Boy.