I did some sewing!
Once again, I was inspired by one of Beth’s projects at Write, Mama. Write. I have to say she has good ideas! I am starting to feel like a bit of a copy cat though. But I’ll share my latest copy cat project, then maybe go off and do some original thinking…
Anyway, Write, Mama. Write. posted about making bean bags as birthday gifts for friends who were turning three. I took her idea and made a set for a friend who is turning three as well as a set for Maia. It was an easy project, which was good since I haven’t done much sewing in a while. It would make a good first sewing project for a child (or adult!) who is just starting to use a sewing machine.
First I cut the fabric into rectangles about 6 1/2 inches by 8 inches, then sewed them around three edges with the wrong side of the fabric facing out.
Then, turning them right side out, I stuffed each with a cup and a half of dried beans. And finally, I folded in the ends a bit then sewed them up.
I also found a couple of 10 quart red buckets for tossing the bean bags into. Probably anything would work though–a bin, a box, the laundry basket, a hoop…
molly said
LOVE it! We’ll have to try this one for sure. Looks like you used several different fabrics — any that you like more than others for this project?
Charity said
These look awesome! A great gift idea for my soon to be 3 year old. :0)
The Artful Parent said
I used sturdier fabrics such as flannels and knits and also aimed for slightly darker colors since I figured they’d get lots of abuse and would probably be used outdoors as well as in.
Minnesota Matron said
What a great simple idea, even for the klutzes among us. We have piles and piles of beads, stones, material, glass, etc just dying to be used for something creative.
Liz said
I recently did this with my older daycare kids (3 yo’s), but we filled them with rice. They loved being able to finally touch my sewing machine! haha… Plus, with rice, they can ask to put it in the microwave to warm their fingers and toes or pop it in the freezer to use as an ice pack for an owie.
They look great, btw!
Shawn said
I’ve been drooling over these and considered trying to make them … my goal in the next month is to find a used sewing machine. I think this will make a GREAT first project. Thank you!
The Artful Parent said
Liz – Filling them with rice so they can be warmed or cooled is a great idea! I’ll have to try that. Or maybe make a special bigger one that can be draped over the shoulders or something…
Shawn – Good luck on finding a used sewing machine! These bean bags would definitely make a good first project.
Megan H said
I was excited to see this–I’ve been making beanbags and giving them as birthday gifts for the last couple of years. I make a package of three and attach a printed card with ideas on games to play with them. I’ve been selling them, as well. I made them for my own kids, originally, when they hit me in the head with a hard plastic toy! http://myplumpudding.blogspot.com/2007/07/hi-this-is-blog.html
Erica said
Very cute– I especially love the green star fabric. =) I remember my mom making these as party favors for friends for my birthday one year (age 3, I think?), and she made them with felt and wrote everyone’s name on theirs with fabric paint. It’s a great idea to make them as gifts as well!
Julie said
you’ve inspired me again. I pulled out the machine last night – and posted pictures today. thanks!
Denise said
I made some felt scented bean bags as V-Day gifts for my boys this year and they play with them ALL the time still!
Bean Bags Project « Fighting Windmills said
[...] thought the fabric would be perfect for making bean bags. This is yet another idea that I got from The Artful Parent. My mom lent me her sewing machine so that I could sew ten of these bean bags: a simple project for [...]
AW said
What kind of beans did you use? I’ve heard uncooked red ones are poisonous.
http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=213291.0
The Artful Parent said
I used pinto beans. They’re sewed into the beanbags, so probably any would be okay though.