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Doodle Designs

With the Indie Craft Experience Holiday Shopping Spectacular just over a month away, I figured I’d better get started making some things with the kids. So like last time, I took their drawings and digitized them for machine embroidery. This drawing is one that my five-year-old did a while back, and I did move the legs down a bit so they would work better with the color. Here I’ve used appliqué in the center followed by fabric paint on the petals. I think this one will be made into a zippered pouch and we’ll have other things as well. We’ll have some useful items that should be fun for both adults and kids. Look for more designs soon!

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Skirt with Built-in Shorts

Not really a skort, but a full skirt with shorts underneath for your little tree-climbing, cartwheel-turning girl.

My kids love the clothes from Hanna Andersson, so when I saw this Scandinavian-style print from Patty Young (for Michael Miller), I knew I had to make them some skirts like the ones they love so much. I rarely sew with knits and I don’t own a serger, but my kids love comfortable clothes. I’d say this makes about a size 6, but with an elastic waist you can easily adjust the waist and length to fit any kid. You could also skip the shorts if you want, or make them long and narrow with a contrasting fabric for built-in leggings. The skirt here has a wider waistband than what’s written in the instructions, but that’s just what I had on hand. I didn’t get a very good photo of the shorts on the inside, but they’re just basic.

So if you want to make one like this, you can download the .pdf instructions by clicking on the image below.

So if you want to make one like this, you can download the instructions by clicking on the image below.
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Coin Purse

I ordered some flex frames a while back, and just got around to trying them out. There’s a tutorial over at The Small Object, but I was determined to hide the frame within the fabric, so I made mine differently.

First of all, I made the fabric wider than the 4″ frame to create some gathers (6″ cut with 1/2″ seam allowance). Then I also added a lining fabric just shorter than the exterior fabric and then encased the frame in the same way that you would make an elastic casing. This requires you to slide the opened metal frame into the casing through a 1″ opening, then close the frame by attaching the tiny screw, then sew the opening in the fabric closed once the frame is inside. So, I did wrestle with it a bit, but it worked. This is a gift for a 6-year-old, so I included six dollars. Maybe I’ll write up a tutorial for this one day. Not today.

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20 Back-to-School Projects

Here’s a round-up of some projects to get the kids ready for school. Can you tell I’m ready? Be sure to share links to your own back-to-school projects in the comments section. We love to see what you’re making!

BACKPACKS, BAGS & POUCHES

Apple Print Backpack from Alpha Mom.

School Bag from Make it Do.

Personalize a Backpack from Simply Modern Mom.

Oilcloth Backpack from Uhandbag.

Kid’s Backpack from Four Wise Monkeys for Sew, Mama, Sew!

Zakka-Inspired Pencil Pouch from Noodlehead.

Pencil Case from Annie Get Your Glue Gun.

LUNCH BAGS & ACCESSORIES

Lunch Bag from The Long Thread.

Embroidered Lunch Sack from The Purl Bee.

Reusable Snack Sack from Reprodepot.

Kids’ Placemat & Napkins from The Long Thread.

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

Apple Appliqué Tee from The Long Thread.

Yoga Skirts from Patty Young for Sew, Mama, Sew!

Art Smock from Patterns by Figgy’s for Sew, Mama, Sew!

Ribbon Hair Clips from The Long Thread.

Flower Headband from Simple Modern Mom for Ucreate.

Back to School Embroidery Designs from Sarah Jane Studios for Sew, Mama, Sew!

Nap Mat from Prudent Baby.

PRINTABLES

Days of the Week Hanger Tags from Living Locurto.

Lunchbox Notes from Cindy Hopper for Alpha Mom.