No idle little hands here
In the spirit of Use What You Have, consider the activity bag as a quick, fun, family project. We first saw the idea of activity bags at a church. There were a few dozen colorful bags hanging in the back of the church that children could borrow for the duration of the service. Inside each were different toys that don’t make obnoxious sounds, picture books for various age levels, plush animals and drawing supplies.
Now we’re making some for the children at our church and our lives. We used only fabric we had on hand, everything ranging from 1930s reproduction fabrics to our own lines from FreeSpirit. We thought it would be way more fun if each bag were totally different inside and out. In each bag are new and gently used toys and books that reflect the wonderful cultural and racial diversity of our church. Also essential are washable crayons and a small pad of paper. Each bag is about 12”x15”x2” and has handles that are 12” long made from left over quilt binding strips. The bags are unlined (I use the pinking blade on the rotary cutter to prevent fraying) and can be made in less than half an hour unless you have a “helper” in which case allow an hour or so.
I also think this is a great idea for visiting children or for a toddler’s birthday gift. It would also be a nice gift for expectant grandparents who may not have anymore a houseful of toys to entertain visiting children.
April 8th, 2006 at 9:01 am
Fabulous idea! My mind is spinning with ways I could put this to use. Thanks!
April 8th, 2006 at 9:05 am
What a great idea! Am now so inspired to give it a go. Thankyou for posting.
April 8th, 2006 at 12:44 pm
Hello ! I love these bags !! Sorry for asking such stupid question, but can you explain to me what is “pinking blade” ?? Thanks a lot ! Smooches from Belgium !
April 8th, 2006 at 11:15 pm
Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant! What gorgeous looking bags and a great idea, thank you.
April 9th, 2006 at 12:02 am
A beautiful idea! I just love it!
April 9th, 2006 at 1:11 am
What an insanely fabulous idea! I am so sick of digging through my purse or diaper bag for all the little odds and ends that will occupy my daughter’s attention – placing them in their own delightfully adorable bag makes perfect sense – thank you!
April 9th, 2006 at 1:25 am
Those ARE great! I have a drawer full of toys for the occasional knee-high guest, but now i just have to make a bag for them!
April 10th, 2006 at 10:12 pm
I just did this! Last week I posted about it in my blog, even. I made 2 car activity bags as birthday gifts for a 5 year old and 3 year old. I filled them with stickers, crayons, fun-pads, etc. and personalized them. Their family goes on lots of car trips and so I thought it was a great gift for mother and kids! By the way, they loved them.
April 11th, 2006 at 12:10 am
I love the idea and was just listening to 2 retired couples that returned from a missionary area in Mexico. I was truly touched by them and want to send along a small gift for the children in the town, I first thought of books or writing tablets but this would be even better to have the tote bags to go with them. Thanks, I’m off to do some charity work for our church now with this idea.
April 26th, 2006 at 2:34 am
Is there a pattern for these? I’m a beginner and have no idea how to just whip one of these together. Thanks!
May 2nd, 2006 at 9:11 am
Now I know what to make the nephews/nieces for their birthdays. Great idea.
June 6th, 2006 at 7:31 am
Bags are always a great gift for children (and adults) and having made them yourself adds that personal touch. I have home made bags for presents, all my kids activities (swimming, soccer etc), as loot bags to give out at birthday parties and the list goes on. Instead of handles you can have drawstrings that double as staps for carrying like a backpak or duffle bag.
If you use an overlocker you do not need to worry about fraying. Alternatively you can use a zigzig or similar stitch. For Didine, a pinking blade is a wavy blade you use in a rotary cutter to create a shaped edge that is less likely to fray.