Today I’m joining the Sew a Softie tutorial hop organized by Trixi from @sewasoftie. If you know her, you’d agree that Trixi is the KINDEST HUMAN ON THE PLANET and she started #sewasoftie to inspire kids and adults all over the world to learn how to sew.
Our art cafe is jam-packed with art supplies and we are always pretty willing to dive into ANY sort of craft except for maybe…..sewing.
Yes, SEWING.
Because…..how could we do that?!
That’s where Trixi came in. She was this gentle voice, a warm and encouraging cheerleader, that made us WANT to join the world of sewing.
With the return of NBA basketball, this basketball softie was a no-brainer!
WHAT YOU NEED:
Orange felt
Black felt
Circle to trace
Pencil
Scissors
Black thread or embroidery floss
Orange thread or embroidery floss
Needle
Stuffing
Black fabric paint (optional)
HOW TO MAKE:
Trace two circles (the same size!) onto a piece of orange felt. We used a kid’s bowl from Ikea!
Cut out each circle.
Use a pencil to create the lines seen on a basketball. We looked at Google Images to help us and we only created the lines on the one side of the ball
Go over the basketball’s lines using either black embroidery floss (backstitch!) or with black fabric paint. The girls preferred fabric paint, which took 4 hours to dry
Cut out two eyes and a smile from black felt. Feel free to cut out a bow or another embellishment!
Sew on the eyes, smile, and anything else you fancy!
Use orange thread or floss to stitch around the outermost part of the circle. Make sure you stop when you’re nearing completion, so you can stuff your little softie as desired
Once stuffed, finish stitching the basketball and secure the thread on the back side.
ACTIVITY EXTENSION:
I’m pretty sure it’s game time! Use your softie in an indoor game of basketball! What can you use as the net? Can you do a slam dunk?!
CONNECTION STARTERS:
What is your favourite sport? Why?
Do you have a favourite basketball team?
What are the most difficult parts of sewing for you?
What can you tell yourself when you’re struggling to learn something new?
Which parts of sewing come more easily to you?
What are some other things we can sew together?
THINGS TO CELEBRATE & ENCOURAGE:
A willingness to try a new craft
Threading a needle
Safe use of scissors
Concentration and focus!
Showing perseverance
Ta-da! I can’t believe we did it.
Actually, I CAN BELIEVE WE DID IT.
Trixi said anyone can sew and she’s proven that to be true
Make sure you check out the #sewasoftie movement and join the Sew A Softie fun! There’s an incredible lady waiting to greet you and – it’s not me – it’s TRIXI! <3
Happy connecting, my (future?) sewing people!
XOXO,
Lindsay