From the invention box: recycled stitching

This Little stitching Project has been on my mind for awhile and we finally tried it out today. All of the materials for this stitching project came from one of our favorite places: "the invention junk box," which means they were all recycled things.  If you are wondering what an invention junk box is, check this out.

We recycled the red plastic "holed" cover from a box of clementines, but any "holed" material would work.  We have some from a bag of onions we bought, and also from a bag of potatoes.  Next time you pick up some produce keep your eye out.  Tulle can also be used.

*Materials: reused "holed" material,  hoop, yarn, chenille stem.

You can make a kid-friendly needle with your chenille stem by bending it and securing it to hold the yarn like this:
 I saw this idea somewhere on the web a few months ago and can't remember where.  If you know PLEASE let me know so I can give them credit for this great idea!  UPDATE: Croq Zine is the author of this great needle trick-go see what they made too!


With large holes you have to tie a really big knot or just go up through and then down in the next hole a few times to secure the end for your child.

Jay hasn't had a lot of lacing activities so I helped hold it so he could see if he should go "up" or "down" next.

He kept asking me what it looked like to me....?

After we finished that one I used a cookie cutter and a sharpie marker to make a pattern for him to lace over:
He loved it.
Easy, fun, educational, recycled.  That's my kind of project :)  I hope you enjoy lacing and stitching with materials you have around the house or from your own invention/junk box too!

13 comments:

Andrea said...

That is CLEVER!! I like it! Now I need to go buy some clementines...

Theresa said...

Oh my gosh! Such a great idea!

Christie said...

Very clever and creative! Smart lady!

Liz said...

What a great idea! Thanks for sharing.

Kristin said...

This is such a great idea to get kiddos stitching! Thank you for sharing! I'll be linking :)

Amy Lynn said...

I saw this over at Craftzine and had to check it out! I especially love using the elephant cookie cutter--I'll be coming back for more!

Heather - Dollarstorecrafts.com said...

I really don't know if you saw the pipecleaner "needle" idea at my blog, but I know my blog about using the idea was posted around the web a few places: http://croqzine.com/blog/?p=476

Love this project - so cool! Found via Craft via Whimsy Love!

-Heather

Cindi @ Rustique Art said...

this is fantastic! can't wait to gather the materials and have it waiting for my grandkids when they come to visit! Thank you!
Cindi

Anonymous said...

brilliant
thnaks

Tricia said...

Great idea! I made an ATC by weaving wool roving in clementine box covers, so this general idea might work for a kid who is interested in weaving (as a step beyond lacing).

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cazatoma/3310463980/

Anonymous said...

This is fantastic! It's hard to find toddler-appropriate projects. LOVE the clementine packaging idea. Who would have thought??

Morgan said...

Super cute, and looks easy to do! Fabulous blog.

Wendy said...

Absolutely genius!

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