DIY gym bags gone wild?

 

So the book I recently reviewed (Amish Values For Your Family) inspired my decision to spend some quality learning time with the kids making our own gym bags for the new school year.

I have to admit. . I had big hopes and dreams for this event. . .I envisioned the laughing, giggling, measuring, learning. . .then I'd playfully throw some material at one of the boys and we'd break into an impromptu game of tag around the dining table. . oh yes. . good times would be had by all. . .OR SO I THOUGHT.

It started off alright, we designed and cut out the pattern. Picked our materials. But the kids quickly lost interest when they realized that I was a super slow sewer. . .plus apparently I can't figure out how to sew a lining into a simple bag if my life depended on it?? (I am convinced that I get just a little dumber every time I give birth. . .i'm serious. . )And Youtube. . .YOU were no help at all. .. thanks for noth'in!

My "little house on the prairie-esque" day of joy and educational enlightenment started to resemble a scene from some cheap horror film, except we didn't have to use fake blood. .. we prefer the real deal. . thanks Leo. Slowly the kids started sneaking away from the table to watch cartoons. . .THIS WAS NOT THE PLAN PEOPLE!!. . .I kept my cool and figured I'd give them a few hours off. .. considering this was turning into a ten hour tour anyways. .. .the screaming started when Georgia caught me holding up her beautiful owl bag. .. but the lining was actually the OUTSIDE. . oops. . and no stitch ripper in sight. .. .I'm not ashamed to admit. .. I NEEDED MY MOMMY. . .but she's out gallivanting and hooting it up on the east coast. . .grrrrr;)

There was blood, tears, and gnashing of teeth. No joke. And I'm sorry to admit I had to put myself in a time out. After countless hours I started over. . .I cut the owl graphic we worked so hard on and cut out new material for another bag (no lining this time). . .the plan was to make the owl graphic a pocket on the front. .. but apparently that was a bad idea too. .. man alive. .I never needed a degree in something mechanical or right brainy so bad in my life. . .gawk.

BUT. . AFTER THE STORM. ..

ta da!!

 

Smiles:) Yes!

 

So after all that goodness. . I guess I'd have to say that I would do it again. .. except I'd hide the super sharp scissors from Leo and trick my mom into coming over for coffee the next time I attempt to sew:) This morning I sent them off for the first day of school with some super cool gym bags and a bucket-load of memories to boot!

 
 

See ya at 4 kiddos. . .HAPPY FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!

Comments

[Heidi]

Georgia and Phelyn are both wearing their mini-mom shirts!! ;)

[Colleen]

Ha Ha! They TOTALLY planned it;)

[Marsha]

That is why I don't make anything that requires more talent than sewing a semi-straight line.....cuz my projects always end in tears.
The bags look awesome! Good on ya for giving it another go.....I'm sure they will remember the bags and the effort far more than the frustration....and the lesson in perseverance will stick as well.
And about Leo.....maybe we should start giving consideration to layering him in bubble wrap???

[Colleen]

TOTALLY;)

[jj]

You are an awesome Mom!!