The summer temperatures, humidity and long sunny days have arrived! While we don't actually get out of school until nearly the end of June (thanks to a massive blizzard this past winter!) I know many kids are enjoy enjoying their summer breaks.
I hope they are still enjoying their break and haven't already begun to sing the "I'm bored" tune...But, luckily for you once those "blase" days of summer begin to roll in...we've got you covered!
What is mini maker's summer fun?...besides fun to say! Well, the idea is the brainchild of Carla from Small + Friendly and it's a fun summertime series brought you by 8 bloggers aimed at combating those summer doldrums!
And today, is my day to share!
As a kid, I do honestly remember often feeling a bit bored...my sister and I are only 17 months apart in age so we were able to keep each other occupied much of the time, that is until...we were arguing! Isn't that often where boredom takes kids? Anywho, I also remember toiling away our days making jewelry, braiding our hair in all sorts of crazy ways and finding ways to create, while also staying cool in the shade.
With those memories in mind I thought we'd do a little braiding ourselves...
This is such a simple and fun summertime project. All you need is some scrap knit fabric. Here, we used some scraps from my scrap bin, but we have also used old t-shirts as well. Simply cut lengths of knit fabric into one inch strips...
Choose three pieces to braid with and, before beginning to braid, pull and stretch the fabric. This will cause it to curl slightly and lengthen considerably.
To make a belt you will need a sewing machine and two D-rings in addition to your knit fabric. Hold the ends of your three pieces together, pass them through the two D-rings and fold over about a half an inch or so. Sew a few lines of stitching as close to the D-ring as you can...
To make a headband or bag strap, simply tie the three ends of your fabric together. Keep it loose for a bag strap as you will be untying it later... and leave about an inch of fabric on the non-braided side for a headband as you will be attaching that to elastic later on.
Now, braid...
When teaching kids how to braid I always find myself repeating over and over, outside over inside, outside over inside...or right over center, left over center, right over center...It's important to remind them to use their opposite thumb/hand to anchor the braid in place as they braid from the other side. It takes practice, but once they get the concept it's quite simple. This was more challenging for Henry as it was new to him, but Violet's had some practice after all of the braided bracelets she helped me make.
Check the length of your braid every so often. A belt will need to be the longest and a headband the shortest, simply test them out as you go. For the headband, I think it best to have the beginning and ending knots just at the base of the ear.
Finishing...
Once you've braided your fabric to the appropriate belt size, stack together your three pieces and stitch a line across to hold them together, then sew a small rectangle of felt over the ends...
To finish the bag strap, first make the bag...The bag, here, is simply a piece of felt 8" x 16" folded in half and stitched up the sides. Poke a hole through both sides of the bag near the top. Untie your beginning knot and carefully push all three pieces of fabric through the hole, tie a knot with the end pieces and the bag handle across the top of the bag, repeat for the other side...
To finish the headband, simply knot the end of your braided fabric leave about an inch of fabric on the unbraided side of the knot, cut off any excess fabric. Stitch some elastic (I like to use FOE, foldover elastic) to one end, hold it around the wearer's head to determine the length of elastic needed, cut elastic and stitch to the other end of your braid...I also tied a little bow knot on the top just for fun.
Now, before you know it...you've got a new belt...
A new explorer's satchel...
And a new headband...
All done in the cool of the shade...and all the while fully boredom busting! Not to mention totally awesome summertime fun things to have.
A pretty belt...
The perfect summer dress accessory.
A new felt satchel...
Lightweight and perfect for an active explorer...
And a new headband...
Which will help to keep you cool...and cute too!
See, with only a few simple supplies you've got a fun afternoon activity. Something for everyone, a bag, a belt or a headband...make them for yourself or for someone else. Make them to sell at a lemonade stand perhaps? Whatever you choose...enjoy and have fun!
Here's to a boredom free summer!
Catch up with the other Mini Maker’s Summer Fun projects:
Blanket Fort from Kid Stuff World
Flexible Summer Schedule from Inspired by Familia
Dairy Free Strawberry Ice Cream from Smashed Peas and Carrots
Write a Book from A Happy Stitch
Sensory Friendly Shaving Cream pool from Tag & Tibby
