[Kid Tested, Mom Approved! - Link Up] DIY Fabric Alphabet Magnets

Welcome back to Day 2 of our Kid Tested, Mom Approved Link Up Party!

I'm so excited to be hosting the Mommy and Me Craft link up today.  This is like a mega-post, so even if you aren't a seamstress in training, be sure to read on -- you'll be glad you did ;)


While I like to think I'm a somewhat well-rounded Mama who likes to play, cook, and of course shop for my kiddo, I can also be a bit of a craft-a-holic.

I'm always looking for fun things to make or how I can put my stamp on something we already own.  While I love that Ashlynn is getting older and we starting to color, play with sidewalk chalk, and paint more often... we really haven't been able to do a true craft together quite yet.  I can't wait to break out the glue and popsicle sticks, until then, I'll be doing some of the crafts myself and let her enjoy my work... like our new magnetic fabric letters!

I'm pretty sure I pinned multiple etsy versions of these before she was ever born, but now that I'm tackling my sewing challenge (12 projects in 12 months), I thought I'd try to make some myself.


Supplies:

This project was virtually free as I've become quite the fabric hoarder and have scraps for days.  I also already had some leftover batting from Ashlynn's Mini Quilt, my invisible ink pen, and of course thread, so all I needed was magnets.   I grabbed some at Michael's and was all set to go!

I printed this tutorial and got to work...


First, I cut my fabric and batting roughly into 4" squares.  I wasn't too precise since the ends were going to be cut off, and then layered fabric, two layers of batting, and fabric.

I cut my letter templates and placed them upside down on what would be the backside of my layered stack.

I traced the letter with my invisible ink pen (which is totally drying up and I need to invest in another), and then snuck a magnet between the fabric (the backside fabric) and batting and pinned the letter together.

From there I just traced over my outline with my sewing machine, making sure to stop with my needle down and raise my presser foot at each turn.

Once, the outline was sewn and back stitched at the end, I cut my thread and trimmed the letter with my pinking shears.   The tutorial recommends fray glue, but I'm hoping I can get away with out it for now.

And there you have it, soft fabric magnetic letters that are cute, handmade, and hours (or at least a good ten minutes) of entertainment and learning for your little one!



The only problem is that I've been so busy sewing teepees, I haven't had a chance to get through the whole alphabet....

I guess teaching Ashlynn to spell baby sister Kenley's name will just have to do for now!




Disclaimer:  Never let children under the age of 3 play with magnets unsupervised, they can be very dangerous if swallowed!


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Now, it's your turn to share your Mommy & Me Craft and link up below!   ...And don't forget to stop by Meet the Sullivans next Tuesday to share your family friendly foods with Colleen!