Inspiring first grade readers

My son's first grade teacher (whom I adore) asked me to help her jazz up a little reading nook in her classroom.  It's an area that's been created with movable walls (like the ones used in cubicles) where the kids can sit and read.  

My plan was to make a curtain/wall hanging thing to cover one of the walls that would be colorful and inviting...and maybe inspire the kids to read...:)

I started by measuring the wall, and cutting a piece of light blue felt to fit:

Then I added some ribbon to the bottom to add weight so it would hang nicely...I added a second row of trim too but didn't photograph it, maybe you'll be able to see it in the finished product photo:

I wanted there to be something to read on the banner/wall hanging...

I researched reading related quotes but didn't want it to be too cliche, so I chose to just use some basic words...

Dream

Imagine

Learn

Read

Using fusible web, I cut out the letters for each of the words, positioned them on the banner, ironed, and then zig zagged around them with my sewing machine...

I couldn't help myself from adding some big button "periods" too.

And here is how it looks in the classroom...
It fits perfectly and looks really nice.  It's just what that drab corner needed.
Some of the kids were very excited about it when I put it up...and the teacher liked it a lot, too...:)

Back to school clothes...for me!

I've been sick this week.  Sinus/headcold sick.  I really haven't left the house.  However, during spurts of cold medicine induced mind racing, I managed to turn out three new skirts for myself.  

I started with this pattern...Simplicity 3796, view E.  I made it exactly as they directed.  And I didn't like it.  It was too big all around and the drawstring was bulky.  So I altered the pattern by taking it all in, putting elastic in only the back, making a flat front waistband, eliminating the fly, and shortening it an inch.

And the result?  An easy to wear pull on skirt.  Perfect for volunteering at the kids' school this fall

I love having pockets in everything.  One of my favorite details on this skirt are the patch pockets with contrast edging (bias tape).

I kind of regret not matching up all of the patterns and there is a little nubbin of an anchor right in the crotch area of the green skirt that is going to drive me crazy.  But, like Corey said, I really had no business cutting real fabric this week.

RIP, the little zebra print skirt that was buried in the garbage can in an "I can't breathe" fit of hysteria.

These three were the lucky ones.