Monday 17 January 2011

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!!!!

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

The school where I taught used story sacks of a kind. They used plastic bags with the books and activities inside for kids to take home to share with their parents. I've never seen a stitched one before. This is truly lovely, and what a great gift it would make.

Deb @ PaperTurtle said...

I have never heard of a story sack before but I love the idea. And your bag is absolutely adorable! What items will you put inside? I'd love to find a copy of that book as I think my niece and nephew would love it. Thanks for the early morning inspiration, Jacky. :o)

Kathyk said...

What a FAB story Jacky and I'm loving your sack too - wonder you have time with all this "altering" you are doing for DD!, which I hope we'll be seeing soon too.

Kathyk

Unknown said...

Story sacks are wonderful. I've seen and used them in nurseries before. Never come across one so well decorated on the outside before though.

Sian said...

This is absolutely beautiful Jacky. I love it! And I know that story well - it was a real favourite when the kids were little and I used to enjoy reading it because of the wonderful rhythm it has. Fantastic :)

Anonymous said...

I've never heard of a story sack either! I'm so impressed by what you've done that I'm hoping to make one for my youngest DGS in time for his birthday in July. Thank you!! :)

Maria Ontiveros said...

Jacky,
You're amazing and never cease to amaze me! Bless you for taking on this type of project in addition to everything else you do. What a gift to the children and parents.
Rinda

SallyB said...

Hi Jacky...
Yes...story sacks are well used in our school and this is a great story...
Your sack is wonderful!
I have made the same way with felt, buttons and beads...

pinky said...

Excellent sack Jacky. I used to make some of these for my hubbys class, not nearly as elaborate as this one though. You have added so much detail to your images, can't wait to see the puppets.

Amy said...

Jacky this is a beautiful idea which has been beautifully made! I always love your crafty ideas for children - they are thoughtful and a lot of fun :-)

Craftyrose said...

Yes I have made story sacks too and used felt, sequins and buttons. They are a fabulous resource and children love them. Another tip is to visit the charity shop for bits and pieces to go in them. I love Handa's surprise. Thanks for sharing xxx

alexa said...

This is delightful - and a great way to make a book extra special ... I've only ever done one, and that was a bag to go with the Big Bag of Worries storybook. The 'pictures' on this are beautifully done.

Jane said...

That brings back many happy memories, I loved using story sacks and I love reading Handa's Surprise

humel said...

Love story sacks! And I love that particular story, too :-) Can't wait to see the puppets! xx

Cate Brickell said...

what a great idea! thank you for sharing... I'm going to put my thinking cap on, and make something for my little girl's birthday next month!

Anonymous said...

Impressive work! I would love to see the contents of the sack too.