learning to catch
Keira and I spent a morning making some fabric balls for her to throw around the house, and a couple as baby gifts. I let K choose the fabrics from a big basket, a job she really likes. And then, because we didn't have any polyfill or wool stuffing, she stuffed the sewn balls with small scraps of fabric (leftover cuttings) I'd been saving up for a while.
Because the fabric-filled balls are quite heavy and squishy, they're perfect for learning to catch inside our little house. And of course, a good way to use up small bits of fabric. That's always good.



They look great :) They be great with a rattle or bell inside too. My cat and baby will love them.
Posted by:Tracy | April 26, 2008 at 12:36 AM
Another cute idea for fabric balls is to make them a little bigger and put a button hole on the top. Pop a balloon in and blow it up. Tie the end and poke it back into the ball. The fabric protects the balloon from popping to easily and makes a great bouncy ball.
Posted by:Tracy | April 26, 2008 at 12:39 AM
They are wonderful! It is such a delight when the children want to join in on the sewing projects. I thank you for a super tip on how to use up small scraps.
Posted by:Ravenhill | April 26, 2008 at 01:46 AM
I see Holly Hobbie on her dress. My room when I was a little girl was done up in Holly Hobbie stuff. It brings back a lot of memories. :)
Posted by:Tara | April 26, 2008 at 01:51 AM
I see Holly Hobbie on her dress. My room when I was a little girl was done up in Holly Hobbie stuff. It brings back a lot of memories. :)
Posted by:Tara | April 26, 2008 at 01:53 AM
Sorry for the duplicate.
Posted by:Tara | April 26, 2008 at 01:54 AM
I used to have a ball like this when I was little. It was actually felt and a bit bigger. In fact my Mum has only just thrown it out. We were just talking how it would be good to make one for the younger grandchildren. Would it be possible for you to give me a heads-up on how to go about making one. Hope that it is OK to ask.
Posted by:Est Rasmussen | April 26, 2008 at 03:02 AM
What a great idea! We will have to give that one a try.
Posted by:Kirsten | April 26, 2008 at 04:04 AM
What a great idea - we've been playing around with a small, squarish sort-of one for school, filled with rice and more the size that Year 8 boys can kick around. K's top is quite gorgeous!
Posted by:Pauline | April 26, 2008 at 06:47 AM
How cute - these would be great fro indoor skittles too!
Posted by:Jo | April 26, 2008 at 07:24 AM
I love fabric balls, and these you have made look great! I bet you had much fun with them!
Posted by:artycho | April 26, 2008 at 07:31 AM
and they're so pretty as well :)
Posted by:kristin | April 26, 2008 at 08:40 AM
what a great little afternoon project...I will have to keep that in mind....do I see holly hobby peaking out from behind those balls???
Posted by:Amy | April 26, 2008 at 09:50 AM
Squeee!! Holly Hobby!!
Posted by:Amy | April 26, 2008 at 11:14 AM
how adorable and country-like Melissa :o)
I see a tutorial coming on?
Lori
Posted by:lissilulu | April 26, 2008 at 12:38 PM
these are sew cute! and what a wonderful idea! thanks for sharing.
Posted by:robyn | April 26, 2008 at 02:26 PM
Hi Tiny Happy
The article in Home and Garden is fantastic, you will be really proud of how they portray you I am sure. I am happy for your success. I am inspired by your handworks. I think you are a neat mum and creative girl. I hope you like the article too!
Rachelle
Posted by:rachelle | April 26, 2008 at 06:54 PM
Oh, they are sweet! And I like the idea of filling them with fabric scraps...I'm always wishing I had more stuffing. Little ends of wool are good too - nice and squishy. I may have to make some of these over the summer.
Posted by:Rebecca | April 26, 2008 at 10:56 PM
hey
I recognise the picture on Keira's top. I had a poster of it.. I never knew she was called Holly Hobbie. I'm gonna have to look that up
Posted by:kerenpeta | April 27, 2008 at 12:39 AM
Those are so cool!
Posted by:dorie | April 27, 2008 at 03:30 AM
Those are so sweet.
I just had a whole week of tinyhappy reading to catch up on - lovely stuff. :)
x Helen
Posted by:Helen | April 27, 2008 at 08:40 AM
oh i love these! did you use a pattern? I'd love to make a few for my son. -kb
Posted by:kelly | April 27, 2008 at 10:47 AM
Yay for fabric scraps!!!
Posted by:Nipper | April 27, 2008 at 11:17 AM
I love your fabric combinations--I was just thinking about fabric balls today--yours are delightful. I love the tip for using up small fabric scraps.
Posted by:Mary Beth | April 27, 2008 at 04:06 PM
very beautiful!
I remember making bean bags for my first child to help him learn to catch...
ahhh memories...
Posted by:monica | April 28, 2008 at 01:41 AM