Last week Kass & I were in charge of bringing beanbags to a church function. We decided to make some on sew night...I decided it was a good time for her to learn a few techniques (shortcuts) on piecing quilt blocks....so we did both at the same time and make the beanbags out of quilt blocks.
On this block, I taught her to make half square triangles by cutting 4 green squares & 4 polka dot squares the same size. (by the way...I do ALL of the rotary cutting) We marked a line from corner to corner and Kass stitched on the line. Then she trimmed about 1/4" past her stitching line...the other half was discarded (over her shoulder, lol) after trimming and pressing, she had 4 easy& accurate half square triangles. The rest of the block was easy to put together...after a lesson in accurate 1/4" seam allowance.
The next lesson for this block was learning an easy way to do the flying geese in this star . I showed her a method I have used for years called "fast flying geese"...it involves making 4 flying geese at a time and marking lines to stitch on. I could do a tutorial if anyone is interested....it's the only way that I like to make them.
We just used regular beans to fill them...nothing fancy!
More half square triangle method for the pinwheels. Kass really liked this block and was amazed at how easy it went together....she likes stitching on a marked line....so easy peasy and no 1/4" seam allowance to worry about until the 4 pinwheels go together.
The finished beanbags....so proud...she made 4 of them. I need to add that she chose the fabric from her stash and decided which ones would go together. We have a lesson on choosing fabric every sew night and I must say that I think she does a great job and has a good eye for color.
Like her Mom, choosing the fabric is her favorite part of the process!
First she chose the back of each beanbag and then picked the front fabrics to match.
Below is a closer look at all 4 beanbags.
The 16 patch was quick and easy.....this block was the 1/4" seam allowance lesson.
She used them for the church party....she needed to have a game for the very little kids to play so she took her hula hoops, laid them on the floor (quite a ways from the kids) and challenged them to throw the bean bags inside of the hoops. Candy was given out for each one they got in the circles.
First she chose the back of each beanbag and then picked the front fabrics to match.Below is a closer look at all 4 beanbags.
The 16 patch was quick and easy.....this block was the 1/4" seam allowance lesson.
She used them for the church party....she needed to have a game for the very little kids to play so she took her hula hoops, laid them on the floor (quite a ways from the kids) and challenged them to throw the bean bags inside of the hoops. Candy was given out for each one they got in the circles.A worthwhile project and now she has the beanbags to use at home or at another party another time!
20 comments:
She's has wonderful taste in fabrics and looks to be quite the seamstress too.
I would love to see your technique for the triangles please. I also want to tell you that I love the fabrics your little seamstress chose for the projects, good choices.
Ahhhhhhhhhh, what a "heart warming" evening! You girls are making such beautiful memories together :) These times will follow her thru life and what an awesome job she did! Love the game she chose too ... such a smart little cookie!
Oh my YES, I would love to learn how to make fast flying geese. My mother sewed like a dream but I was never interested in learning-- silly me. I am a bit embarrassed that a little girl can do a much better 1/4 seam allowance then me. So please teach me what ever you can.
I am very impressed...keep up the great work girls! I would love to learn about the fast flying geese.
Kristy in Ohio
What a delightful project to share with your daughter! I love what she cnded up with. She knows her colors! And these projects are so wonderful to help their self-esteem and teach them about making something virtually from scratch. I commend you!
Brenda
Those are so pretty! And so perfectly put together. Had so much fun the other day--let's do it again soon, but without my wallet... :)
Wow Kass! You've done it again! What a great job you did. I love your selection of fabrics. I guess you can't guess my favorite...
pinwheeels is right!
What a great idea for learning the blocks. Really cleaver. And Kassidy's blocks look like she's been doing it for years!
You are so lucky to have a granddaughter who loves to sew. The bean bags are adorable.
Great job! Yes on the fast flying geese tutorial :o) Thanks for sharing the game idea, as well.
Brenda @ Cozy Little House sent me over. I don't sew a stitch, but I loved this post. I don't have tons of regrets, but not learning to sew is one of them. The best part is your mom/daughter time--irreplaceable. The music is perfect--Louis Armstrong! I'll be back!
This is the perfect project. I'll have to make some with Kenna for the grandkids. They would love to throw them around. What kid wouldn't?
Your daughter has great talent putting fabrics together. I would love a tute on flying geese. I've enjoyed your blog and pictures.
Great job Kass! I can't wait to see what you make next.
What a great way to teach block construction. Kass already has an eye for color, too. I really think these sew nights are so awesome.
Nanette e-mailed me and invited me to your luncheon together on the 13th. I'm so jealous, and wish I could come! I told her not to have any fun without me! (just kidding of course).
Boy, she looks like she is having so much fun and what a great way to learn to sew!
Micki
You make a bean bag beautiful! None of that double knit bean bag for you (like at the church nursery). I think this would be a good project for stray quilt blocks, too.
What a wonderful job Kassidy did!!! This post is so touching... thanks for sharing, Lori!
Hmmm...I'd like a Sew Night! :)
Kass is doing SO well! She is amazing! I love that she has her own stash. Lucky girl.
I'd LOVE to see your flying geese method!
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