Bean Bags
To make bean bags simply cut rectangles out of your scrap fabric, fold right sides together (into a square shape), sew around two sides, turn right side out, fill about half way with beans, fold down the top edge inside the bag and then sew shut. (5 minutes)
Or it may also go like this: Cut rectangle shape, fold right sides together, start sewing, stop to rethread machine, start sewing, stop to help Seth with something, start sewing, burn arm on iron, cry “ouch”, finish sewing, look for scissors, cut threads, turn right sides out, fill half way with beans, dump beans, pick up beans, stop to answer questions from children, stop to answer phone, fold down top edge, start sewing edge together, stop to rethread machine and fix bobbin, finish sewing edge together, cut threads, and hand over to child who was waiting all that time for “his” beanbag. (15-20 minutes)
Results: Happy laughing children, loud sounds of feet running around the house, and beautiful bean bags that you made yourself, hitting various objects and loved ones, in your home.
Catnip Kitty Toys, made by Grace.
She hand sewed pieces of fabric together and filled them with cat nip that we bought at the grocery store in the pet aisle. She attached string to some of them.
Results: It’s fun to watch the cat enjoy his new toys that your daughter made herself.
When the world says, “Give up,”
Hope whispers, “Try it one more time.”
~Author Unknown
(By the way, the bean bag project is a very small but happy victory for me, because I’ve wanted to make bean bags for the family for years. This weekend Rich and the boys were pelting each other with instant oatmeal packets, which we buy in bulk, and which I am still finding in odd places. This was what finally pushed me to complete my sewing goal. I love bean bag games, they are fun!)
Good to be Home 
I like when the kids can sew and use fabric,we have made our share of beanbags!
I remember playing with bean bags…I’m going to have to make some for the kids I babysit!
I loved beanbags as a child, and they were a big hit (pun intended) with my boys too. Isn’t it great that something so simple brings such joy?! We have catnip growing in our garden, it is like mint and grows purple flowers that the bees love. I brought some to my friends cats and they did not care about it when it was fresh, but once dry they were rolling in it
For some reason, I was thinking you had made beanbags about two years ago? 🙂 Because I thought it was you who inspired me to make some for one of our VBS games. :)The catnip treats are cute! My kids have used oatmeal packs as fun missiles too. LOL.
Great project!I found this one the other day that you may be interested in.I don’t think you would have to sew and turn them. Just a sandwich of fabric top/batting/fabric bottom would work. Use those little bits of scraps you have in the stash. http://www.purlbee.com/the-purl-bee/2011/5/20/from-the-purl-beehive-emilys-memory-game.htmlGood day to you and yours.xox
Oh Shanda you make me laugh! Yes, the second way to make beanbags… that’s the way it’s done at my house too Looks like a lot of fun. And now the next time you want to make oatmeal, you won’t have to search the house for packets. This looks like a great little summer project to do with the kids! I think I need to put “dry beans” on my shopping list.Love.the.quote.
@fourfiftythree – The Purlbee is one of my favorite websites! I saw this memory game post the other day and was just itching to try it! Don’t they always have the best ideas?! Great link!
Cute! Love the catnip toys. : ) We’ve made the bean bags for church activities before and they are a huge hit. ; )
Oh I love making bean bags too! Fun to make and kids love em! When I make mine I make the with the top closed so that it makes a pyramid shape. I made mine the size to fit in ones hands so they can be used to juggle with. I love Graces little cat toys, too cute. I made some in the shape of skinny rectangle with a feathery boa sticky out and the cats go wild. LOL I think I posted pics of them way back on my site, not sure if you saw them or not but they were fun. 🙂
@SpazzyMommy – Yes, you are right, I did—(good memory!) but a sad thing happened to those (beautiful heart-shaped embroidered with their names!) bags and I had to throw them out. I’ve been meaning to make more ever since.
@fourfiftythree – Thank you so much for your link, Dawn! You would probably be surprised about how much you come pleasantly to mind as I attempt, make plans to, and/or work on my crafts.
@Donna7 – Thanks for the ideas!
@purpleamethyst76 – You are so welcome hun! {{{{hugs}}}}
Oh, I love the idea of using oatmeal packets…LOL!!
Bean bags are so much better to throw at each other that oatmeal packets. :)Now your boys can build a bean bag board. http://www.google.com/products/catalog?rlz=1T4ADSA_enUS376US377&q=bean+bag+toss&safe=active&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=5477270818660840073&sa=X&ei=ayTcTfH7CsOdgQfEmIn5Dw&ved=0CHsQ8gIwAw&biw=1345&bih=546#
I gave up sewing after my mother caught me sewing two of her dresses together!
Bean bags are fun and easy to make. I do suspect though, that through the years, those oatmeal packets will continue to fly. They’re so easy…so spontaneous.
I needed to see that last quote today – thanks!
Shanda, you had me in stitches (no pun intended). I loved your account of what happened when you made the bean bags. Yes, we ladies are always multi-tasking. However, I find it sometimes keeps me from ever finishing a task. I’m so glad you were able to finish your bean bags.
@Thia7278 – Absolutely loved your comment…..”I suspect those oatmeal packets will continue to fly.” Actually, I hope they do! BTW, I’m still finding violets in the cool spots of our property! Happy weekend to you.