It's here! This really is an EASY project, but I just haven't had time in my sewing room until today. I also started a really adorable sun suit for Stella using some light blue eyelet and vintage cotton eyelet trim for the ruffles. It is going to be sooooo cute!
But back to I-Spy bags...these are great for kids who need to work on fine motor skills, memory, learning colors and shapes, etc. If your child is on the Autism spectrum (as the recipient of this bag is) then you will want to make a few of these! They would be a great teacher gift for your child's special ed teacher too- make a couple and tie them up with a spa gift card. Teachers need that! (I know, I used to be one!)
You will need:
-2 fabric scraps, about 8"x8"
-a Clear plastic scrap (needs to be thick and durable- I cut up a bag that some sheets came in, you know the heavy plastic kind with a zipper?)
-Rice, beans or plastic fillers
-Tiny objects to fit inside (Try the craft store, tiny dollhouse pieces, bead shops have cute things too)
-Sewing stuff (machine, thread)
-Scotch tape (the satin finish kind)
-A camera
-A computer and printer
-Contact paper (or a trip to the office store to laminate)
Let's get started, shall we?
Step One:
Gather up your tiny items and photograph each one individually. Here is a sample of what is in this bag.
Step Two:
Use the individual photos to make a composite and label each item. I used the free online photo editor "fotoflexer" in collage mode to make this!
Step Three:
Print out the composite, and cover with contact paper or laminate. This page will be kept with the I-Spy bag. You can attach it to the bag with double sided velcro, a metal ring, etc. Whatever you prefer.
Step Four:
Cut out two squares, about 8"x8".
Step Five:
Fold one square over, about 1/3 of the way. Then cut a window out!
Step Six:
Cut out a plastic window slightly larger than the fabric window.
Step Seven:
Cut out any appliques you want to use to decorate the bag. I made some eye pieces with a button for the eyeball. The stripes will top the black part.
Step Eight:
Place a piece of the Scotch satin tape on your presser foot. This will make it slide effortlessly over the plastic. (Do this anytime you sew on plastic, laminated fabric, oilcloth, etc.)
Step Nine:
Using an applique stitch of your choice, attach the plastic window. I set my stitches close together so I didn't need to hem the window first. Yay for saving time!
Step Ten:
Apply your design item, in my case the Eye for I-spy!
Step Eleven:
With right sides facing, sew the two squares together leaving an opening to turn/stuff. Clip corners! (No picture, I know you got this, right!?!?!)
Step Twelve:
Stuff with rice (or whatever you chose to use) and the tiny items. Leave space for the top stitching!
Step Thirteen:
Top stitch once on the very edge to close the hole. Then go in about 3/4" and do it again! You will need to move the rice around carefully so you don't stitch over it!
All done! Enjoy!!!
