Making a Story Sack- part 1

Have you used a Story Sack? Have you made one? They are wonderful resources to use with children.......they contain a book and lots of additional items to make the story more fun....and develop children's learning.
 It's one of the courses that I tutor with parents.....and a new course is just beginning. The Story Sack I use as a 'demo' is getting old and tatty......so I've decided to make a new one......if you have children, granchildren, neices, nephews etc........you might like to make one....they make great presents.
The book I've chosen is called 'Handa's Surprise'

This is a lovely story about a little girl who takes a basket of fruit to her friend in the next village........on the way an assortment of animals 'steal' the fruit........then tangerines from a tree fall into the basket.......so when she arrives........it's a surprise for her and her friend.

The first item needed is the 'sack' itself. I've used half a metre of cotton fabric folded in half......and all the stitching is done before the sides and top are sewn up.

The sack needs the book title on it.......but the picture can be anything related to the story....it doesn't need to be a copy of the cover picture.

It has been sewn with felt......many of the parents on the course have never sewn before.....felt is easy to cut and sew......and it doesn't fray.......and is 'touchy feely' for children.......we hand stitch it on with embroidery threads. Handa's hair was made with wool......some of it plaited.

The threads can be the same colour as the felt.......and add details to the picture.A little bit of stuffing done to the fruit to make it a bit more textural. 

Or they can be in slightly contrasting colours to stand out........which looks good on the letters........perfect stitching is not needed.......it all adds to the handmade feel of it.

The sack is now ready to sew up the seams.......and I need to start on some puppets to go with the book.......you'll see those next week........why don't you join me in making one.......I'm no great stitcher.......if I can do it.....anyone can!!!!