sewing ds a play mat..

[rainbowmoon]

anyone have any ideas for sewing an interesting/interactive play mat?

[Janessa]

My kids favorites are things with lots of different textures which is a great way to use up scraps from other projects. They also obviously like prints so we can find things. If you want to do flaps you can put different things in them dried beans, crinkly fabric (the emergency blanket silver stuff works great) I wanted to do one like this but changed my mind because everything wouldn't be washable. So I ended up doing a patchwork of all sorts of textures and its a hit. Then I did seperate bean bag style in different shapes and colors with different things inside. Lots of learning activities to do with them well playing. Not sure what exactly you were going for
hope that helps some
Janessa

[lovingit]

Playmats are so fun to make! It is a great time to go to the fabric store to try new types of fabric.

I go around and touch and feel all the fabrics and I purchase a small amount of each. I make a patchwork of all of the fabrics and my babies have loved it! Great textures include chenille, satin, even faux fur and textured faux leather. Back it with a fleece (add batting if you choose to), reinforce areas by tying the layers together with yarn (like tie-quiling), and bind with double bias tape!

Or, you can applique shapes onto each square, in different colors or fabrics so as your kiddo crawls to one square or the other they can experience something different.

Both my sons have loved it and have worn theirs out to pieces! LOL

HTH!