Friday, May 29, 2009

Mr X and the Manbag


Mr X (my 10 year old nephew) has been staying with me this week while my sister and brother-in-law move house.

After dinner last night, he was bored, so I suggested that we make something. My intention was to keep it simple.... maybe some pencils, texta, and paper.

He kindly reminded me that I'd promised to make him a manbag just like Moo Moo's, so we decided to make it together (very quickly so we could finish it before his bedtime). I sent him out to the laundry to choose two fabrics from the stash, and he returned with skull and crossbones for the outer, and a camo print for the inner bag.

I let him use the rotary cutter (under very close supervision) to cut out all of the pieces that we needed. One piece went in the bin as it was just a bit too wonky to actually use, but the rest were absolutely fine.

Even though my machine is in for service, I still have my little sisters machine on hand, so we used that for this project.

We used clips instead of pins, and I marked the sewing lines with a fabric marker. Mr X then just had to follow the lines. He got the knack of it really quickly, and learned how to stop at the corner, put the needle down in the fabric, lift the foot, turn the fabric, put the foot down, and keep sewing.
It was a great combined effort and he's very happy with his new Manbag!


24 comments:

Christy said...

oh my how rad is that! I just love skull and bones prints!

Excellent job!

PaisleyJade said...

Looks so good - and what a great Aunty for actually letting him sew it himself!!

Cathy {tinniegirl} said...

That's so cool. Isn't he clever. I love the fabric choices too.

Nikki said...

Yay for indoctrinating the young!!!

I think you both did a fab job.

Anonymous said...

splendid work....i am all for the kids having a go!...clever little dude.

A Spoonful Of Sugar said...

Well done Mr X!!! He certainly has a good eye for fabric.

Unknown said...

Ooh I love this! Mr X chose some great fabric and what a great job with the sewing :-)

Tania said...

I'm taking my hat off to you - ten year old boys (and girls), let alone SLEEPING OVER ONES, scare the bejesus out of me. You obviously have the auntie thing superbly 'nailed'.

Robin (RsIslandCrafts) said...

Great job Mr. X and great job to Auntie for a great way of teaching him to sew :)

Katy said...

that is one cool man bag - i think all men should learn to sew :-)

angelique said...

You are one super aunty. The bag is great and I'm sure he is very pleased with himself when he was done.

Dolores said...

I love it when the little ones take an interest in sewing. I'm sure he's very proud of what he made "all by himself."

willywagtail said...

This is one of the best gifts you could give a child - your time and the gift of knowledge. He must be absolutely stoked to have done so much.

Jenaveve said...

Cam, that's so cool that you're teaching the little guy how to make stuff.

Nikki said...

What a great thing to do with your nephew. He's very lucky you are so patient and attentive.

Lisa said...

Great job Mr X! Good to see you are converting the young into sewers Cam.

Sarah said...

Oh HEY that is a COOL bag. What a COOL Aunt. Showed my boys and now they think you are COOL.

Jennie said...

Very impressive! You must be a good teacher. :-)

muralimanohar said...

Way to go on the man-bag! And way to go, auntie, for facilitating ! :D

banban said...

You are awesome!

Jennifer Rose said...

turned out great :D well done Mr.X!
I really like when kids show an interest in sewing, not enough kids here know how to sew

JasperBoy said...

Good job Cam!! I am proud to be an Aunty too.

Jen in Melbourne

Stacy Kraus McDonald said...

How fantastic... that is something he'll take pride in! Awesome aunt.

Liesl said...

Three cheers for a sewing lad! The bag looks fantastic. You're a good auntie!