Kids need tools to get the job done

by Linda Theil

Tools and a toolbox are essential elements to any creative endeavor; that's why the Livingston Educational Service Agency plans to distribute 1500 backpacks full of learning tools free to Livingston County schoolkids on August 8, 2024.

The agency is in the midst of their 23rd annual "Fill-a-Backpack for Kids" project.

"For this project to be a success, we need your support," said project coordinator Robin Schutz of Great Start Livingston. "We need school supplies and backpacks -- supplies can be dropped off 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday at LESA, 1425 W. Grand River Ave. in Howell, Michigan until August 2, 2024."

Alisa and I have supported the project since it began and this year we are filling 12 backpacks with colored pencils, crayons, pink erasers, folders, glue, highlighters, markers, paper, pencils, pens, rulers, scissors, spiral notebooks, handmade pencil cases for our Livingston County learners!

This year the pencil cases are made of "Glow for It" cottons designed by Kanvas Studio for Benartex, and Sunoboro batiks for Moda Fabrics.

The pencil case design is the small-sized, flat-bottom option from the "Perfectly Popping Pouches" pattern by Diane Spencer Ogg.

The pencil pouches are lined and feature riveted zipper ends.

Update July 29, 2024

We filled a dozen backpacks with the kids yesterday and I delivered them to LESA this morning. Nice work, Alisa, Sawyer, Emerson, Zoe, and Bonnie!

Comments

Cathy said…

This is such a wonderful project and a great way to teach kids to give back. I know they'll love their pencil pouches! You guys are great!!

caj

7/31/2024

Scrappy log cabin blocks

by Linda Theil Scrappy Log Cabin quilt block by Linda Theil Next month the Greater Ann Arbor Quilt Guild will host a virtual quilt-along to make quilts for the SafeHouse Center womens' shelter in Ann Arbor, Michigan. One of the suggested blocks to make at the event is a Scrappy Log Cabin suggested by GAAQG member and artist Mary Bajcz. I love the Log Cabin block design and decided to get a head start on next month's event by organizing my materials and develping a process for making my Scrappy Log Cabin blocks. I began by watching Mary's YouTube video: "Scrap Quilt Strategy: The Log Cabin Technique" , and many others available on the topic. What a variety of approaches! I'm not much of an improvisor and this is the first time I've tried the scrappy approach to quilt making. So It was quite an adventure for me. I pulled out my scrap bin and began sorting for lights and darks. After looking at many videos, I decided to work with a central square of 2.5-i...

Notes on Purl Soho Cross-back Apron pattern

Purl Soho Cross-back Apron, regular sized, front view Purl Soho Cross-back Apron, regular sized, back view by Linda Theil This is the Purl Soho Cross-back Apron featured on their website at https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2015/11/20/cross-back-apron . Their page includes complete directions for making this one-size-fits-most apron with large, side-pockets and cross-back straps. This retro apron is so nicely made and looks so much like the apron my grandma wore in the Nineteen-fifties that I had to make one for my friend who appreciates the nostalgia and the beauty of this design. Although this apron pattern, as published, can adjust to several sizes from 2-10; I also made a larger option, adjusting the width of the pattern pieces to accommodate up to size 16 and up. Size adjustment may also be made by varying the length of the straps. These notes are a record of my experience with the pattern, and should only be viewed as commentary; your results may vary. ...

Advent star

by Linda Theil Alisa made me a beautiful Advent calendar long ago and every year she fills it with goodies in anticipation of the Christmas holiday. Last Christmas, every pocket contained two rolled-up strips from a "jelly roll" precut package of "Holiday Florish Festive Finery" by Robert Kaufman. I wanted to use the fabric right away and not allow my gift to disappear into my tub of holiday galore. After searching my patterns for a block that could be made with "jelly-roll" strips, I decided to redraw a "Christmas Star" block in a size that would use the 2.5-inch-wide "jelly roll" strips. This redraw resulted in a 10-inch block before finishing, and not including the 2.5-inch sashing I added later. For construction I used the method described by Brigitte Heitland in her "Christmas Star" pattern. This was a free pattern that I no longer find available through her website. The block looks very intricate, but Heitland's con...

Appleton Dance

Search This Blog