Friday, February 27, 2009

Travel Felt Board & Giveaway

When I did my bag tag, I mentioned that I was carrying a tub of playdoh and small cookie cutters around as a toddler activity bag. Another great way, to keep little hands occupied is with a travel felt board. That's ER's above, with her latest creation on it.

It's the no sew version. To make, cut a piece of fabric the same size as your piece of felt. Attach iron-on vinyl to the right side of the fabric, then attach double sided fusible webbing to the back side of the fabric and fuse it to your piece of felt. I cut around the edges with a pinking scissors to pretty it up. I fold it up and put it all in a plastic ziploc along with some felt pieces. That's the old version, I decided to change this up a bit so it wouldn't get as much wear from being folded and unfolded repeatedly.

Directions:

It's not really a board, rather it's a piece of fabric I backed with iron vinyl and then sewed to a piece of felt. The vinyl is essential to keep the backside from getting all dirty, especially at restaurants while we wait for our dinner at fancy shmancy places like Chilis, because I really don't want every meal out to come on a plastic tray!

To make one is really simple and I've improved the design since making mine to include a ribbon closure:
Cut a piece of fabric to the same size as your piece of felt, I just used the very inexpensive felt sheets that come pre-cut. They are the perfect size for rolling up and keeping in your bag without taking up too much room.Cut piece of iron on vinyl to the same size as your fabric. Follow the directions on the package and iron onto the right side of the fabric. Let it cool off before moving on.

I found iron-on vinyl sold by the roll in a plastic bag on the notions wall at Joann's Fabric, a large nationwide fabric and crafting retailer. Watch for special sales where the entire notions wall is 40-50% off and same yourself some money!
Pin and sew vinyl covered fabric to felt, with vinyl covered side facing the felt. Before beginning attach ribbon.

On one side pin a piece of ribbon folded in half so that the loose ends are sandwiched inside between the vinyl covered side of the fabric and felt. Leave a bit of the loop formed when folding the ribbon in half sticking out between the pieces of fabric. When you are sewing around your "board" catch the ribbon and sew firmly into place by sewing over, back-stitching, and then forward stitching over it. This will become your tie.

Turn inside out and sew opening shut. My beginner skills are evident by the obvious stitching up the bottom right side on the one above but it still looks cute all rolled up! Use fabric scraps to make the felt shapes and you're in business! Your toddler is kept busy, and when she's all done just roll up the whole thing, tie closed, and now you don't even need a plastic bag to keep it in!Now that was easy, but for an even simpler way to get one, come by ABC and 123: A Learning Cooperative during our first two week kick off starting March 13th, when you can win one along with all the shapes! There will be a give away every day for the first two weeks, so you'll have to keep checking to find out which day this is the prize!

UPDATE: I just learned that this project has been featured on One Crafty Place, how exciting a new button to add to my sidebar! If you have little ones you should visit and see all the great projects featured on this site, where crafts to make a handmade childhood are featured. I also helped her via Twitter look for felt food ideas, guess what my next project might be!

16 Friends Said:

Cheryl said...

What a cute idea!

Courtney said...

How funny! I just made a proto-type for a traveling felt board yesterday! :)

I am making an eBook for it!

Loved yours as well! :)

Crystal said...

This is a great idea. Thanks!

Mama King said...

Love it! I'll be making one as soon as I can get the Iron on Vinyl.

Dawn said...

This is so cute and so practical. My girls love the felt board I made them for Christmas and I've been thinking of one for travel and for when the older girls have sports games. Thanks so much for the tutorial.

Seener Beaner said...

Wow great blog Katie! Found you from k-e household obviously where I am sure you have seen my comments. Very crafty.

k-e-household said...

crafty giveaways!!! Made by you! Even better!

I bought a ton of crafters felt from Wal Mart today. I hope its the "right" felt for these projects. I just bought the 8x11 sheets as well. I figure I will cut out all my shapes and figures first and then come up with the boards!
Going to stalk Courtney and see what kind of "prototype" she has come up with!

Super Fun Mama said...

Thanks so much for sharing. This is great!

Sarah J. said...

You are so flippin' creative! I love that idea! Glad you liked the potty post. :)

tsslug said...

Thanks 4 the giveaway
God bless u all!

Vickie said...

That is so cute, Katie! Looking froward to the giveaways!

Shannon said...

Great idea to make no-sew! I can't wait to check out your new blog on the 13th!

DairyQueen said...

cute idea! I love how it is so travel friendly!

Anonymous said...

This is adorable. I cannot wait for the new blog. I read yours everyday.

Nikki N said...

I can't wait to try this! I have been looking for a good felt board idea, and this fits the bill. I found the iron on vinyl at Joann's sold by the yard so this was a better deal for me (I'm making three!)

Anne said...

What a cool project! I posted a link to your tutorial on Craft Gossip Sewing Blog: http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-sew-a…vel-felt-boardtutorial-sew-a-travel-felt-board/2009/03/16/

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