I want to make and eye spy bag for my nephew's birthday but I am having a hard time finding a free pattern, does anyone have one and if you have made one before where did you find the things toys that you put inside it? Thanks!

Here you go. I've had it saved in my favorites for a while, but haven't attempted it yet.

For where to find the toys, I think I'd probably look for tiny party favors or things like that.

http://rosie-baby-crafty.blogspot.com/2007/08/i-spy-bags.html

That's the same one I used. It turned out pretty well, but just remember to sew on the list of things to find (if you're going to put it on) to the back panel prior to sewing the bag together ;) I got so excited to put it together, that I didn't put the list on the back and then had to figure out what I was going to do. I ended up attatching it on with snaps. It worked out ok, since the 2 and 3 yo's I made them for can't read anyway.

My friend loved it for her 3yo and she got so excited each time she found something. She thought it was a perfect quiet activity for the car and such.

The activities I put in were mostly buttons, you can find all kinds of neat ones at Michael's: colored hands, butterflies, crayons and themed ones like princess and sea shore ones. Other things I added were marbles, sequins, shaped buttons, a craft pom pom. I'll try to post pictures when I get them downloaded from the camera.

I made up my own pattern. I cut 2 squares of fleece about 8in each. on one I cut out a smaller square "window" in the center. Then I sew on a clear vinyal window. On the inside of the window spot. I then pin a small loop of ribbon sticking out of the edge (this is what I attach my list to). Then put my 2 squares wrong sides together and sew around the edge about 1/2" in. Be sure to leave a space to put in your toys and filling. Put all your stuff in (I use about 20 things) and add whatever you want to fill it with and sew shut. Make sure you have a list of your items before you sew it up. You might forget what you put inside :) I make a little card with all the items listed and attach to the ribbion loop with a binder ring. As for the toys. search your house ive gotten rid of tons of junk toys this way!! The teacher store has lots of little stuff too. Have fun ... I love making these.

I followed the instructions posted above. I added a handle to the top of the bag though.

Inside I put
a few animal shaped buttons
Letter beads spelling DD name
A few different shaped beads
A small artificial flower and leaf
Hair bobble and hair clip
Nut and bolt
Some shapes cut from craft foam
Googlie eyes
A paper clip
A penny

I bought the letter beads and animal buttons but everything else was found around the house.

I took a photos of all the items before I put them in. I then printed the photo out onto card and cut it into small squares. DD picks a card then tries to find the object. I wanted the pictures since she doesn't read yet.

ooohhhh ..... I love the idea of taking a photo of the items for younger kids. Ill have to try that.

Here is the before pics of one of my eye spy bags, for a friend's daughter. I have another one with the same fabrics, but goodies inside are slightly different for my dd to use on a trip this weekend.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/24933615@N03/2511371975/in/photostream/

I used that blog tutorial as well. However, I used fleece instead of cotton fabric because then you don't have to worry about hemming the seams around the window, since fleece in non-fraying.

subbing so I can come back and read the posts ;)

I made one of these a few years ago and I filled it with old earrings that I had laying around (hooks and any sharp bits removed of course). I had gigantic earrings shaped like 8 balls, holiday ornaments, dice, coins, etc. Completely gaudy stuff I liked as a jr high kid in the early 90s, but wouldn't be caught dead wearing now :lol

I've never heard of an "I Spy" bag before, but what a great idea!! I think I'll have to make one!!

I made these last year as gifts. They were very loved items. I think these are a great kids gift idea.

Very easy!

I love these! Where do you find the vinyl for the window...do they sell it at fabric/craft stores? And the poly pellets, too?

They have vinyl at fabric stores (Joanns, etc.). It comes in big rolls, like 72" wide or something. It's over by the home dec fabric, duck canvas, burlap sort of area. There are many different weights of vinyl and I had no clue which to get. I got a thinner one, but not the thinnest. I was worried about it being too thick since you need to sew it, but too thin and it would tear. So I sort of picked one in between.

I bought the poly pellets in Michaels. People use them to stuff dolls. So, might be in that area of the store. My Jo-Anns didn't carry the poly pellets. They are pretty expensive, but I didn't need an entire bag for one Eye-Spy bag.

I'm going to be making one for DS's Montessori class, for the peace corner. I'm trying to figure out what to put in the bag. If I just want to go random, or do some sort of theme, like phonics or something.

i love making these...they are really lots of fun.. here are a couple pics of some made for a teacher in CT.. she used them fro free time in her class room..

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m36/Derrickwife/SANY0162.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m36/Derrickwife/SANY0165.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m36/Derrickwife/SANY0166.jpg

they are great gifts... my kids love them

i love making these...they are really lots of fun.. here are a couple pics of some made for a teacher in CT.. she used them fro free time in her class room..

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m36/Derrickwife/SANY0162.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m36/Derrickwife/SANY0165.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m36/Derrickwife/SANY0166.jpg

they are great gifts... my kids love them

Those are gorgeous! I am wondering if it would be ok to use rice rather than poly pellets though? I would love them to be a bit less plasticy. Maybe glass beads? I am definitely going to make some for Christmas presents. My son will be 21 months at Christmas, and most of his "baby friends" will be around the same age, so these will be perfect! I especially like the picture of the items for the pre-readers.:love

i love making these...they are really lots of fun.. here are a couple pics of some made for a teacher in CT.. she used them fro free time in her class room..

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m36/Derrickwife/SANY0162.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m36/Derrickwife/SANY0165.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m36/Derrickwife/SANY0166.jpg

they are great gifts... my kids love them

I love that space fabric! And those little letter blocks are cool. Where did you get them?