Hello all! I’m Carrie from This Mama Makes Stuff, where I blog about refashioning & running, raising comapssionate kids & crocheting, thrifting and triathlons. I am so happy to be part of the Holiday Bake, Craft and Sew Along again this year! More than anything it reminds me that it’s time to get going on all my own handmade holiday gifts. I never leave myself enough time. The great thing about the gift I’m sharing with you today is that it’s super fast and super easy, only requiring minimal sewing skills.

“Shape Stretchies” were some of my favorite things to play with at my sister’s house growing up. She was a modern dance teacher and always fun ideas to promote creative movement for kids. She introduced my kids to “stretchies” and they also fell in love.

With only a minimal amount of sewing, you can create something that promotes creativity and movement. Make four “stretchies”, include a few “game cards” to help get the creative juices flowing and a bag to keep it all together and it’s a unique gift for the cool kids in your life.

Bag:

This one was made from an old pair of jeans, but you could reuse one you have laying around or buy a small bag.

Stretchies:

For each “stretchy”, cut two strips of swimsuit lycra 4″ X 45″. Sew them together at both short ends to create a long, skinny circle (measurements depend on fabric stretchiness & size of child.) You can leave the long ends of the circle unfinished since the knit won’t fray and it will begin to curl in. Swimsuit lycra can be expensive at the local fabric store (especially in the “off-season”) so make sure to save your coupons if that’s your only source for fabric.

Activity Cards:

Download HERE. Don’t be afraid to add your own cards to the mix.

If you’re looking for a cozy gift for the little snuggler in your life, check out my Mini Snuglet tutorial HERE.

Or maybe you’re looking for an heirloom quality gift for a new baby in your life? I think you’ll love my Hankie Baby Bonnet Tutorial.

Good luck with all your handmade holiday sewing!