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The Empowered Educator

Inspiring ideas, training and resources for early learning.

Thrifty Thursday…Pattern Making & More Jar Fun!

by The Empowered Educator 6 Comments

We have had a bit of a cold snap the last couple of days and i am actually pleased….why? Because i managed to get some jumpers sewn for the toddler twosome before it hit!

It became apparent how much they have grown since last winter when i began pulling out their warmer clothes and many were too small already…i scoured the op shops and got a few fleecy and woollen treats but i fear those more organised than i had already done the rounds!

I looked at my material stash and was a little surprised to realise how much fleecy and flannel i had stockpiled…so it was time to get the machine out! I don’t really like to buy patterns anymore (unless at the op shop) as they seem to work out so expensive. However, i have never been great at drawing my own patterns and am not very confident in this area so don’t usually get very far!

That was before all these wonderful tutorials began popping up on the net though! I have already started making some cord pants for the girls and am happy with my modified pants pattern…but i don’t have a good shirt or jumper pattern in their size. I still have the patterns i used for Miss Teen but they seem to start from 3 yrs upward for some reason!

I knew all i had to do was draw a pattern from the one jumper that actually still fit them but wasn’t sure where to start! Then I came across this wonderful tutorial from Indietutes for making children’s shirts. She set it out so clearly, easy step by step instructions that i felt really encouraged to give it a go. You know what? It was so easy! I’m not going to show all the steps here as it is this wonderful lady’s tutorial and i really encourage you to drop by and have a look! But i will show you my finished product!

Patterns for a jumper and also a sleeveless pinafore type dress to pop over warm long sleeved shirts!
They look a little rough i know but did the job!
I’m happy with how the jumpers fit…they are a little big and they look a little like mini Michelin men but at least they should still get some wear next winter too! They aren’t the most perfect of sewing jobs but they cost very little to make….the pattern didn’t cost a cent, i already had the material and the ribbing i found in the op shop for 50cents! I really urge you to give it a go if you are like me and have always found drawing your own patterns a little daunting. Hopefully i shall work my way up to something a little more challenging one day….but for today i am pleased with my thrifty efforts! Just need to sew some pants now…they are cut out and ready for sewing…just need to find that magic thing called time!
There was more thrifty fun this week when we played with empty spice jars and pipe cleaners. I got my inspiration for this idea from Jamie at Hands on as We Grow with her toddler sprinkles activity ……..she has such wonderful activities for children. I really encourage you to visit if you haven’t already!
I set up the activity a little differently to Jamie mainly because i had some little coloured sticks (that had been in the craft box since Miss teens heyday!) and i thought Ruby would find it a little easier to participate this way. They both loved it and i was so surprised at how engaged with the activity both became and how Ruby kept coming back to it until she had mastered it quite well. Such a great activity for hand eye coordination and fine motor skills. Next time we will try Jamie’s sprinkles idea!
So how can you do this activity? EASY!!
Simply collect and wash any old spice/herb jars you have(the bigger jars work better for this activity)…then add items that can be ‘posted’ through the holes…..i used pipe cleaners and the little sticks but I’m sure you will find something around the home to use! Please always be aware of choking hazards though.
Of course, being twins we had to have a jar each and ‘help’ each other!
Both are at different developmental stages with their hand grasps at the moment….
Not sure what the horse was doing here……but trust me he is everywhere…all the time!!!
Such concentration occurred with this activity…..it was a joy to watch.
Ruby really seemed to enjoy the accomplishment of getting the sticks through the hole…these worked better for her than the pipe cleaners as they were a little harder due to bending…
 But she did get them in there too!
Then took them all out and started again! Home made toys always seem to be just that little bit more fun don’t they? The girls are 22 months old during this activity.
So, two ideas for you to try this Thrifty Thursday…i hope you found some inspiration…don’t forget to share your own thrifty ideas for kids and home in the comments so i can pop by for a look!

Warm Wishes….

Filed Under: Ideas for Fine Motor Play, Ideas for Frugal Fun

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Comments

  1. Used Watches says

    26/04/2012 at 6:19 am

    I’m also currently teaching myself patternmaking, currently i’m using “Building Patterns” I’m in the beginning chapter but I.wonder if there are other books that are better for self teaching. What book(s) would you recommend. I have a lot of patternmaking books so I may have one, but I can always get more shipped to me.

    Reply
  2. momto8 says

    26/04/2012 at 11:50 am

    your fleece shirts look beautiful! good for you…so pretty and warm!!
    My daughter designed her own patterns…even made her own prom dress! I can’t sew even a botton!

    Reply
  3. Ness @ One Perfect Day says

    29/04/2012 at 12:39 pm

    Love both of these ideas! We’ve done that fine motors skills activity before too, my sone loves it. You are so amazing to make their clothes. I’m hopeless with a sewing machine. Thanks for linking up with The Weekly Kid’s Co-op.

    Reply
    • Jode says

      30/04/2012 at 4:33 am

      Thanks Ness….i only make the basics trust me!!

      Reply
  4. Tania says

    29/04/2012 at 11:29 pm

    That’s a great little activity to keep in mind for Violet. Might find that pile of straws in the cupboard and save those lids in future (I usually get frustrated with them and throw them away!). I LOVE your jumpers and I’ve been thinking about making something like this for pj’s for Violet as I have some op shop fleece and flannel hanging about too. Will definitely be having a good look at that tutorial. Thanks ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  5. Kimberly Sminkey says

    07/05/2012 at 2:42 am

    Your twins are adorable sitting there so content with their jars! Thanks for linking up to tip toe thru tuesday!

    Reply

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Jodie
Hi, I'm Jode, Mum to 3 girls in Australia, and an early childhood educator, presenter and consultant.
I share ideas, inspiration & resources for play based, inquiry led learning
Find out more about me here...

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