Be Our Guest: Noodlehead Sews

Hi everyone, it's me, Anna, from noodlehead.  I was very honored that Kate asked me to guest blog today.  If you can't tell, I'm already in the valentines day mode, so here's what I'm sharing:

It's a fun little valentine that should be pretty appropriate for a wide variety of ages.  I think this would be an awesome project to start with for a child who's just learning to sew.  What could be more fun than making your own valentines, right?!

Materials:

• vellum
• white cardstock
• sewing machine, white thread, old sewing machine needle (used only for sewing on paper)
• m&m's
• color printer

Print the two downloadable sheets available here and here, they'll print off 6 to a page.  For the side with 'love mail' printed, I chose to use vellum paper.  You certainly wouldn't have to use vellum (available in packs in the scrapbooking isle at Hobby Lobby or Michaels - don't forget your coupon), instead just use regular 20# printer paper - you just won't be able to get that cool translucent look like the vellum does.  A little tip about printing on vellum: you'll want to give your sheets plenty of time to dry before cutting and sewing them up.  For the to/from side, I simply printed that on white cardstock.

Cut apart the valentines (there are 6 printed to a page).  Have your child address the valentine's to/from parts.  It's easier to do this now rather than try to write on them after you sew them together with the candies inside. 

Place one front piece and one back piece together. 

Sew around edges using a longer stitch length, mine was set to 3.0, but it could be different on your particular machine.  It'll just take you less time with a long stitch. 

When you get to the last side to sew, stop with your needle in the down position and wiggle your finger into the opening of the two papers and insert your m&ms!  (You for sure will want to wash your hands before doing this step or just use latex gloves.) 

Once you've tucked in about 20 candies, scoot them back away from the opening, squeeze the two papers together with your fingers and finish by sewing the last side shut!  No need to backstitch, just clip your threads and you're set.