I start this post by commenting on the fact that I have no idea why it has been so long since my last post. I haven't done anything profound in the last month and a half like travel the continent, solve the world's problems, reflect upon life -- nope, nothing. I guess time just flies by.
As I believe I have mentioned before, I teach preschool - 4 and 5 year olds and I have done this for many, many years. We run on the same schedule as the public schools which means we are now officially on Summer Break!!
Each year we always give our students some little end of the year gift. I was stumped this year because A) I've come up with years and years worth of gifts; B) Any gift is multiplied by 10 so cost is a concern and C) I like to give them something that reminds them of our year together.
Finally, it dawned on me. This class loved to draw in their journals so I got them each a "journal" (really, just a notepad from Office Depot and a cool 4 color pen (because packs of markers times 10 are expensive) and then made them all a tote bag.
Super easy and faster than I could have gone out to the store and found something. Plus I used stash fabric and it's always a good feeling when you are creating from the stash. It was fun to match fabrics to each kid's personality.
Great party gift idea and if you have a stash anything like mine then that makes them virtually free!
To create:
Cut 2 rectangles 14-1/2" w x 16" l. Use 1/2" seam allowances.
With RST and using the serger (how fast can it get!) sew down one side.
Open up and serge all the way across the top to prevent fraying.
Fold back together, RST, and stitch the other side and bottom.
Iron down top of bag 1/2". Attach 16" of webbing about 2" in from each side to the front and back of the back at the top.
Fold over hem. Topstitch around, fill with goodies and you are good to go!
The kids LOVED them. One little girl wore her bag out to the playground and all through snack!
Time to go turn on the sewing machine - it's summer break!
What a nice teacher you are! Isn't it sweet that she took her bag to the playground. Good job Teacher!
Posted by: Linda | June 03, 2010 at 12:23 PM
*AWESOME*. Just AWESOME - I love the "see how fast [the serger] can go!" And if there's more Very Hungry Caterpillar fabric in the stash, I want some(thing). :-D
Posted by: The Sister. | June 03, 2010 at 02:06 PM