Monday's 'I made it'

I suppose since the title of my blog is 'Made by Mandi', you'd be expecting to see some of my handiwork, yes? I claim to be able to sew and make stuff, so today I prove it!

I'm now aiming for a regular Monday blog to show off  showcase things I have made. I figure that gives me incentive to do complete projects in a week, finish other ones off and attempt some I've seen on Pinterest. There will be sewing, craft and things I make for my children. Some new and I'm sure some past projects will feature.

I'm solo Mumma this week so I have 6 quiet evenings to get my craft on, once my babies are sleeping. Not a lot gets done during day light hours as there's usually 2 out of three awake and I want to focus  more of my attention to them, not my hobbies. If you're wondering; right now I'm sitting at the table feeding the newbie (typing one handed) while the big two are right here creating with playdoh.

Now, here is where I need to give my amazing husband a heap of credit and thanks. Without him I wouldn't have been able to finish this project on time! I am the Queen Procrastinator and left this project til the day before it needed to be complete. I spent about 4 hours sewing finishing a birthday gift for a gorgeous little boy, while my husband fed, changed, entertained and kept the children busy.

Geez I've just re-read this and I'm sure I don't talk this much in person! Anywaaaay, here's what I spent my Saturday morning making. No tutorial for this one, they're so easy to make. I did go to here to grab some measurements for the size and quantity of the filling (and used the tag idea!).

Rainbow Bean Bags

Choosing fabrics is the hardest part but I got to use up some of my scraps, I used 9 different plain colours and coordinating coloured pattern fabric. Number 10 was multicoloured.

A few ready to fill up. And my photography is getting better!

Felt numbers appliqued onto the plain side,
I was so proud of my stitching on these! 

I'm so pleased with how they turned out (and of my photos)

With these bean bags, the learning value is not only physical but cognitive. I used the ribbons for counting. Small children can recognise numbers but it helps to have something to count to associate to the number they see. There is also colour recognition and sorting ("Which ones have stars? Which one have flowers?")

Next is a set for my children but theirs will be black, one side with a number (in a patterned fabric) and the other side will have coordinating colour circles (eep thats 55 circles to applique!).

Stay Happy

M