Kimono
It was International Day at the children’s school today so our girls represented Japan. The five-year-old wore this kimono, made with a $5 piece of fabric from IKEA. And the three-year-old was really excited to wear a Hello Kitty shirt! For the kimono I used a bathrobe to figure out the pattern pieces and changed the shape of the sleeves. It managed to work out that the bottom hem and sleeves were selvedges, so no extra sewing. Then I used some raw silk for a sash. I was surprised at how easily this came together, which was a good thing since both children have been sick (and grumpy) with strep throat this week. Ugh.
Handmade Toy of the Week
I’m already thinking about things to make for the holidays, so I thought I’d feature a handmade toy under $50 each week. By buying a handmade toy you are supporting an independent crafter, likely getting a safer product than what’s on the shelf at big stores, and giving your child a one-of-a-kind gift. And you can pretty much avoid batteries and television characters. So I’ve created a page here with some resources for handmade toys and tutorial links for making your own. I’ll be adding to this list regularly, so check back.
This week’s featured toy is the Baby Gnome Doll, made of recycled materials by Shannon Jefferson of projectgrabbag and available at Craftsbury Kids for $22. She also has some other great plush toys at Craftsbury Kids and a lovely shop over at Etsy.
Halloween Stickers
I’m hoping that we don’t end up with eggs on our front door, but we’ll be giving out a sticker and one piece of candy per person (hold the melamine and artificial colors, please). So here is a sticker page with the image above if you want to do the same: Halloween Sticker Page. This sheet will work on Avery 3111, but we just had some sticker sheets around the house.
And if you’re looking for some last-minute Halloween crafty ideas, check the new links on my Handmade Halloween page. For loads of crafty projects for kids, check out The Crafty Crow.
Etsy Finds Friday
Vintage Fabric iSockit for iPod and iPhone, $10 by Blythe.
Original Hand Embroidered Art, ballerina girl pout, $38 framed from Bo Betsy.
Long Grass textile pendant, $96 from tinctory.
Vintage Fabric Origami Cranes, $13 each from free range baby.
Japanese Cotton Fabric from Sweet Flavor, $3.25 per quarter yard.
Flirting Birds Slat & Pepper Shakers, $20.50 from bailey doesn’t bark.
Japanese book of embroidery designs, $12.98 from Pomadour’s Craft Cafe.
Kimono Silk Scarf, $35 from tutus2.
Scandinavian Matryoshka Doll, $34 from Ravenhill.