Posts Tagged ‘hand sewing’

I’ve been on a tiny toymaking kick lately! In the recent weeks I’ve made the little bend dolls and felt animals above. Its so satisfying to be able to finish a project in a day, and despite what you’d think – they’re not that hard. If you’re interested in trying your hand at some felt toymaking, needle felting, or Waldorf doll making why not join our Waldorf toymaking workshop? All levels are welcome and you can find the complete rundown of dates etc on our workshops page.

Looking for interesting presents for the older kid crowd? Why not consider a craft book. We have a few select titles from our shelves to share with you today that are ideal for beginner crafters!

Meet a mischievous piggy, dopey panda, rambunctious little bunny, a passel of monkeys, a proper penguin, and many more soon-to-be best friends of all shapes, sizes, and personalities in this irresistible guide, Make Your Own Toys. With simple-to-follow instructions and hand-drawn illustrations, artist and designer Sue Havens will help you make 22 unique stuffed toys that will endear and charm adults and kids alike.

This is a new edition of the best-selling Usborne Art: How to Knit! Perfect for beginner knitters both young and old, this book covers all aspects of learning to knit, from selecting the correct needles and wool, to casting on, the basic stitches and finishing off techniques. It also includes projects to tackle as knitting confidence grows, such as scarves, bags and mobile phone cases. The step-by-step instructions are clearly illustrated and easy to follow.

 

From DK’s top-selling crafting author, Jane Bull, Made By Me contains more than 30 homespun craft projects for young crafters. The book is divided into three sections, on knitting, sewing, and embroidery, and each one begins with a primer on basic techniques and stitches. Then lots of simple and sweet projects help children master needle skills while making bags, dolls, bracelets, hats, and more. Kids will love giving their creations as gifts, or keeping them to enjoy!

Teach your children all the basics of knitting with this easy-to-follow guide. In Knitting for Children, Claire Montgomerie shares the secrets of her successful knitting classes that show little ones how to create their own toys, accessories and clothes. Packed with great projects suitable for children aged 7-12, and with each project just a little more advanced than the one before, kids will eagerly progress through the 35 easy-to-follow patterns and variations. The ‘Getting started’ section gives essential guidance, covering not only all the knitting basics, but also how to finger knit, French knit, make tassels, put together pompoms and more. Claire has chosen yarns that are smooth and simple to knit, with the weight suitable for smaller hands. Start with the snake scarf – it’s a fun but easy project that teaches the basics, and once they’ve mastered this piece, your child will be straight onto the next challenge. They can try the cosy mittens and then move on to a pretty ragdoll, or stitch the cute and colourful v-neck cardigan before making an MP3 player cover. This book provides the perfect way to introduce your child to a fun craft that will be useful for the rest of their life.

In Kids Learn to Crochet by Lucinda Guy children can quickly master basic crochet stitches with this cheery book that features simple language and clever animal cartoon characters. Excellent step-by-step instructions with photos take young beginners from crocheting chains to learning single and double crochet techniques—and then they are off to squares, circles, and half trebles. Projects along the way include a striped toy cat, a small stuffed bear, a cute bag, and a bunch of fabulous flowers. A section called When Things Go Wrong offers humorous advice about dropped stitches, sewing troubles, and other frustrations.

Have you booked into one of our Spring classes yet? They commence Tuesday October 9th so don’t hesitate to call us (03) 90410103 and secure your spot over the phone, or pop in and book over the counter!

For more information on our knitting, crochet, needle felting, felt toy making, machine sewing and dollmaking classes, visit the workshops page.

 

See and Sew: A Sewing Book for Children by Tina Davis is a beautiful and straight forward introduction to the basics of sewing and embroidery. The nostalgic design of the book is charming and the spiral binding makes it practical to use.

Starting from the very beginning, this book will help little crafters become familiar with different needlework techniques through 16 inviting projects simple with easy step-by-step directions. It also offers safety guidelines.

See and Sew is a very special book, it would make a beautiful gift to be treasured for many years…

and the enchanting book design will appeal to the supervising adult as well as inspire the budding young crafter!

Turn over a new leaf this spring and join us at a Little Sparrow workshop. Brush up on an old skill or pick up a new passtime.

Bookings are essential! Payment in full must be received to secure your booking. A minimum of four people is required for the class to run, and a full refund will be given if minimum booking is not achieved. You are very welcome to bring any equipment required, use the workshop equipment during the class or purchase anything you will need from the shop.

Unfortunately due to the timetable no make-up classes are available.

 

Everyone 10 years + welcome.

Contact us and book your place now!

Unfortunately due to the timetable no make-up classes are available.

 

TUESDAYS

Knitting

October 9th – 30th, (4 wks) 10am-12pm

November 6th – 27th, (4 wks) 10am-12pm

$80 plus materials

In this class we’ll learn to cast on and off, a variety of different stitches, increasing and decreasing and at the end of the session you will be making a scarf.

 

Needle felting

October 9th – 30th, (4 wks) 1pm-3pm

November 6th – 27th, (4 wks) 1pm-3pm

$80 plus materials

Explore the simple and rewarding craft of needle felting. Create a few fuzzy and whimsical creatures or pictures to test your skill.

 

Crochet

October 9th – 30th, (4 wks) 7pm-9pm

November 6th – 27th, (4 wks) 7pm-9pm

$80 plus materials

In this class we’ll learn to do all the basic stitches, increasing, decreasing and changing yarn. By the end of 4 weeks you’ll be making rugs, toys, accessories and more!

 

WEDNESDAY

Felt Toymaking

October 10th – 31st (4 wks) 10am-12pm

November 7th – 28th (4 wks) 10am-12pm

$80 plus materials

An introduction to hand sewing. Learn embroidery, make felt toys and experience basic small toy construction;  learning the skills that can be applied to sewing a blind hem and other practical applications.

Machine Sewing

October 10th – 31st, (4 wks) 1pm-3pm

November 7th – 28th (4 wks) 1pm-3pm

$80 plus materials

Always wanted to use a sewing machine? This class will run you through all the basics, from threading to the tension, which needles to use, how to make a ruffle, line a tote bag, and add a zip. We will make 4 simple projects along the way! Sewing machines provided.

 

Dollmaking

October 10th – 31st (4 wks) 7-9pm

November 7th – 28th  (4 wks) 7-9pm

$80 plus materials

 

In this class we will cover the basics and techniques for making a formed head. You can make any kind of – waldorf doll you would like! It’s easy – really!

 

SUNDAY

Dollmaking Sunday

September 23rd, 9am-5pm

$180 including lunch & dollmaking kit

 

Spend a day making a simple formed doll just perfect for your little one to love and cuddle!

The winter school holidays are hard work! Cold wet weather means cabin fever sets in half way through the first week, but don’t let the chorus of “I’m boooooooored” drive you mad – pop into Little Sparrow and be inspired by the huge range of materials and games we have to keep you amused.

water color pencils, modeling wax, pencils and pencil rolls, kite paper & workbooks!

1. Never ending rain? Do some water paper water color painting. We have paper, brushes and paints to get you started!
2. Make some window roses from kite paper to brighten these gloomy days.
3. Go on a nature walk, take one of our durable pintoy magnifying glasses and get up close to find tiny treasures!
4. What better weather to learn to knit a scarf? Fat needles and yarn will make it easier for little fingers.
5. Turn drab to fab by throwing a tea party – we have quite a few tea sets for you to choose from!
6. Choose your favorite sticker pack and give your school books a makeover
7. Pick out a new winter hat and some snuggly socks from our cute and cosy handmade selection then go and enjoy a blustery day at the beach – don’t forget your gumboots!
8. Choose some pretty ribbon or trim, some plain fabric and make your own grocery bag.
9. Pick an art print from our selection, move your bedroom around and -ta-dah! A new room!
10. Start keeping a diary, even this time next year it will be fun to look back and see how you spent your holidays!

felty fun mobile

11. Make a list of your favorite activities in “Winter Nature Activities for Children”
12. Weave some magic on a weaving loom – we have a few different sizes for all sorts of projects.
13. Declare the day “Games Day” – make up a board game of your own invention or choose from our huge range!
14. Sew some felt finger puppets and put on a show in a cardboard box theatre. Don’t forget to make tickets and a poster!
15. Choose from a range of felt toy kits and make a ball rattle, some sea creatures or a puppet
16. Little people can get a head start on bike riding with our of the excellent bamboo EverEarth balance bikes!
17. Learn cross stitch – you could choose from a kit or design your own with the plain supplies we stock
18. Build a colorful box kite and rug up to take it out for a test flight!
19. Pick up a cute wooden ladybug french knitting spool and see how long you can make it!
20. Grab one of our blank workbooks, a few new pencils and see if you can make your own comic book.

farmyard felt finger puppets

21. Have an archeological dig in the back yard. Our little spades and oilcloth aprons will kit you out just right!
22. Adopt a new furry knitted friend, once their settled in at home make up a backstory about them
23. Pretend Springtime is closer than it really is and play florist with the Djeco Florist playlet
24. Build the biggest block tower you can – is it as tall as you?
25. Pick up some of our chunky wooden beads and decorate them before threading some statement bangles and necklaces
26. Make a fun felt mobile for your bedroom, they’re not just for babies you know!
27. Choose some of our colorful buttons and give an old cardigan a makeover
28. Proclaim Christmas in July! Find a bare branch and make some festive decorations
29. Decorate a bag or make some hair clips with a kanzashi flower maker!
30. Start a family band – we’ve got lots of percussion instruments for you!

usborn doodle dry erase doodling cards & pack donkey balancing game

31. Pick up a copy of ‘Crochet for Kids’ & get hooked! This book is full of easy instructions & appealing projects for boys & girls.
32. Set up one of our excellent teepees and have an indoor camping adventure – make some damper, tell stories, sing songs.
33. Get stuck into a new book – we have some great chapter books on our shelves.
34. Be a knight for a day in one of our tabards and ride off to adventure on a hobby horse or dragon!
35. Learn how to use a flower loom and get busy making lots of pretty yarn flowers!
36. Bake some cozy gingerbread cookies – little people will love choosing their own mini rolling pin and cookie cutters
37. Pick your favorite Usborn Doodle set and have hours of fun doodling on the 50 dry erase, wipe clean cards
38. Have a mending day and stock up on whatever you need: thread, thimbles, buttons, needles or patches?
39. Treat yourself to a new money box and start doing a few extra lucrative chores!
40. Set up a jigsaw puzzle table and see how fast you can conquer one of our 100 piece puzzles?

strawberry needle book, pin cushion & scissor pouch – perfect for a beginner sewers kit

41. With our junior gardeners set, you could do some family guerrilla gardening and make up some seed bombs to brighten up the  nearest vacant block or median strip!
42. Pop on one of our lovingly handmade cloaks and takes some treats to grandma’s house
43. Grown your play food collection and set up a play shop or cafe – we even have a cash register here for you!
44. Pick up one of our many magic wands and work on your spells and potions
45. Invest in a new pencil roll or pencil case and get your stationery sorted ready for the new term!
46. Put together your own sewing kit – we have a range of sewing baskets and small supplies ideal for beginners
47. Learn how to use a pompom maker and create some lush and fuzzy pompom pets
48. Step into the world of needle felting! Be inspired by our colorful wool fibre and instruction books
49. Pick up some wooden people and make your family in miniature!
50. Relax, make the most of the holidays and stay warm!

Pilgrim has been bitten by the stitching bug and there’s been a tiny people population boom here at Little Sparrow! Meet some of the new folk you could adopt…

Right now these three are looking after some felt farm animals, but you could take them on any adventure you like!

There is even a sorcerer (and some hopeful apprentices!) If you’d like to weave your own magic and create some bendy little people we stock the raw materials for you to choose from: pure wool felt, wool fibre, and bendable wooden doll forms.

 

These people are all unique and won’t stay around long – we hope to see you soon!

Our bookshelves are well stocked with fabulous books to keep big and little idle hands busy these holidays. Above are a few ideas for younger crafters. Papercrafts and simple stitching can be a great opportunity for quality constructive time together, and won’t they be proud when they’ve made something “just like in the book!”

For older, sassier crafters (10+), why not start some crochet or more ambitious sewing projects? This is a great opportunity to encourage thriftiness working with reclaimed materials such as old socks, t shirts, spare buttons and so on.

And don’t forget to take some creative time for yourself, we have a great range of knitting, hand and machine sewing, crochet, felting, and philosophy books just ready to help you spend your down time in a productive, conscientious and fulfilling way!
Not confident on working from a book? Don’t forget Term 2 Workshops are starting in just a week! We hope to see you there.

Its a new year, we have a fresh, new site and we have a new selection of workshops to keep those idle hands busy!

Bookings are essential! Payment in full must be received to secure your booking. A minimum of four people is required for the class to run, a full refund will be given if minimum booking is not achieved. You are very welcome to bring any equipment required, use the workshop equipment during the class or purchase anything you will need from the shop. Call and book your place now!

Unfortunately due to the timetable no make-up classes are available.

Dollmaking Sunday

Sunday January: 22nd, 9-5pm
Sunday March: Sunday 18th, 9-5pm
$180 including lunch & dollmaking kit

In this full-day class we will make a simple formed doll just perfect for your little one to love and cuddle! Price includes lunch & your dollmaking kit

 

Needlecraft

Tuesday February group: 7th – 28th, (4 weeks) 10am-12pm
Tuesday March group: 6th – 27th, (4 weeks) 10am-12pm
$80 plus materials

An introduction to handwork. Learn embroidery, make felt toys and experience basic small toy construction;
Learning the skills that can be applied to sewing a blind hem and other practical applications.

 

Knitting

Thursday February group: 9th – 1st, (4 weeks) 10am-12pm
Thursday March group: 8th – 29th, (4 weeks) 10am-12pm
$80 plus materials

In this class we’ll learn to cast on and off, a variety of different stitches, increasing and decreasing and at the end of the session you will be making a scarf.

 

Dollmaking

Tuesday February group: 7th – 28th, (4 weeks) 1-3pm
Tuesday March group: 6th – 27th, (4 weeks) 1-3pm
Wednesday February group: 8th – 29th, (4 weeks) 7-9pm
Wednesday March group: 7th – 28th, (4 weeks) 7-9pm
$80 plus materials

In this class we will cover the basics and techniques for making a formed head. You can make any kind of waldorf doll you would like! It’s easy – really!

 

Machine Sewing

Wednesday February group: 8th – 29th, (4 weeks) 1-3pm
Wednesday March group: 7th – 28th, (4 weeks) 1-3pm
$80 plus materials

Always wanted to use a sewing machine? This class will run you through all the basics, from threading to the tension, which needles to use, how to make a ruffle, to line a tote bag, to add a zip. we will make 4 simple projects along the way too! Sewing machines provided.

 

Crochet

Tuesday February group: 7th – 28th, 7-9pm
Tuesday March group: 6th – 27th, 7-9pm
Wednesday February group: 8th – 29th, 10am-12pm
Wednesday March group: 7th – 28th, 10am-12pm
$80 plus materials

In this four week course we’ll learn to do all the basic stitches, increasing, decreasing and changing yarn. By the end of 4 weeks you’ll be making Granny squares!

 

Craft Circle

Thursday February group: 8th – 29th, (4 weeks) 7-9pm
Thursday March group: 7th – 28th, (4 weeks) 7-9pm
$80 plus materials

A casual craft get together, come along and be inspired by collective creativity. BYO work in progress or materials to start new. Solve your crafty problems in a supportive environment!

Little Felt Owl on branch $29.00