School quiet time comfort is essential for your kids, whether they’re off to school or you’re schooling them at home. You’ll really enjoy stitching them a Sit Upon, Nap Mat or Back of Chair Organizer – and they’ll love it, too. School Days Comfort is all about making education a handmade success!
Many Kindergartens and Pre-Schools require students to bring a nap mat or cushion for quiet time comfort. Melissa of the Sew Like My Mother blog has a friend who doesn’t sew, but needed a cover for her daughter’s mat. Melissa, a very clever lady, went well beyond what her friend requested and created a super-cuddly design.
Melissa’s design includes a pillow, blanket and mat cover that roll up together with attached straps. It’s super adorable with bright colors, a perky print and a name applique. She chose super-soft plush fabric for the mat and blanket to keep that precious pre-schooler cozy during nap time. Although, the mat is purchased, Melissa made the pillow and covered it to match the other pieces.
You’ll attach the mat cover with a hook and loop closure. This keeps it secure and makes it easy to remove for washing. Straps circle the mat when folded and hold the pillow and blanket so all pieces stay together when rolled. If you don’t have a purchased nap mat, look for firm foam 1” to 2” thick at your local fabric store.
Although, Melissa’s design looks a bit complex, it’s all straight lines and you’ll find it an easy sew. You’ll want to allow a little more time for the animal and name appliques, but the rest will go quickly. Supplies are pretty basic: cotton fabric, plush fabric (minky or Cuddle), hook and loop tape and thread. Click here for the Nap Mat tutorial.
When I was a Girl Scout, we had Sit Upons to use for meetings in the park and I bet your little scouts still use this kind of School Days Comfort! You can easily make a bright, colorful version for your scout, toddler or kindergartener to use. Sit Upons are perfect to keep at home for outdoor reading fun, picnic parties or anything your littles can imagine, too.
Ashley from the Little Blue Boo blog made a stack of Sit Upons for her daughter’s Daisy troop. I bet she gets Scout Mom of the Year! You can make these thrifty by using vinyl tablecloths purchased from discount or variety stores. If you’d like a sturdier version, shop your local fabric store for oilcloth or coated cotton.
You’ll need enough fabric for two 24” circles and bias binding or ribbon to finish the edges. Vinyl won’t ravel, but a cut edge can be kind of scratchy, so the binding is a great idea. Purchase a solid color to coordinate with your prints, make your own or use up scraps. Ashley made her Sit Upons unique and fun by piecing together ribbon ends she had collected.
That’s about it for the Sit Upon. Ashley will show you how to make the circle template and tell you just what to cut. The finished Sit Upon is flexible enough to be rolled or folded and so quick to make that you can easily stitch up a delightful stack. Everyone will want their own! Click here for the Sit Upon tutorial.
I love a clever make and I’m totally impressed with the Back of Chair Organizer I found on the Sew Mama Sew blog. Designed by Sandra of the Sugar Cubes and Spice Cake blog, it’s a darling, easy-to-make solution for desktop overload. My homeschooling friends would love this piece of School Days Comfort to keep the dining/school room organized. It’s a handy “supply” that many public and private schools are requiring now, too.
My suggestion for colors is bright with a capital B. You can pair a solid with a print, use two solids or two prints. Sandra added ric rac and pom-poms for trim and spark, but fringe, ribbons or lace would look wonderful, too. Think about your student, what they would like and make it special just for them!
You’ll cut, mark and fold the Organizer before stitching and, following Sandra’s instructions carefully, it will go together easily. Aren’t these great? Every child should have one! They’re perfect for organizing a homework station or a home craft area. Click here for the Back of Chair Organizer tutorial.
It’s so satisfying to create a personalized project for your loved ones. Little ones especially appreciate things handmade just for them. That makes your School Days Comfort projects super important to school success. Have fun with these! Make sets that match or mix up the prints and colors.These comfy, cozy makes will guarantee that school is a very special place this year!
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