Learning with YouTube...

Wrapped Yarn Project

Learning with YouTube ....

Pinterest has recently became my new best friend.  I am such a visual person and I love being able to save a picture that is linked to a resource I can use.  One of the resources I saved was how to wrap large letters with yarn.  This project looked very doable for this "Do It Yourself" person.  After I was done with that project I had lots of yarn leftover.  As a young girl I watch my mom crochet tons of different items.  I thought to myself what the heck I should give crocheting a try.

Since I have really never been very good at crocheting I thought I would do a little research on YouTube and find some video clips that would help me with this new project.  Within minutes of my research I found several videos that went step by step on how to do a simple chain pattern.  What I loved the most about learning via a Youtube video is that I can pause and go back as many times as I needed.  After a few fail attempts I was able to make a baby doll blanket for my Angel's baby doll she had gotten for her birthday.

As a teacher and teaching technology skills and Ancient History I see many benefits of using YouTube in the classroom.

Tech Tip:

Crochet Baby Doll Blanket

• Try doing "Advance Search" to help you find a tutorial or video clip.
• Save your new treasures in YouTube so you can find them again.  You can have several "Playlists" in your channel. 
• My YouTube Crocheting Playlist.
• My Classroom YouTube Channel.

From Rags to Riches

From Rags to Riches

Repurposing T-shirts

I had purchased a Earth Day T-shirt and only had a chance to wear it at least twice before I snagged it.  Right in the middle of my new T-shirt was this big hole.  I had been reading about how people repurpose t-shirts.  Some people made outfits for their children, others made scarves, and still others made quilts, baby blankets, and even pillows.  I saw where one person turned a t-shirt into a vest.  I am into layering my outfits and thought this would be a great idea, since the hole was right smack in the middle of the shirt.

Directions:

• Cut the seam of at the bottom off the shirt off.
• Cut the seam around the neck off.
• Cut both of the sleeves off.
• Find the middle of the front of the shirt and cut along it.  Be careful and do not cut the back.
• Take 2 strips of material from the cut sleeves.  Make sure they are the same size.
• Wrap one strip around the top part of the shoulder area.  From the cut arm sleeve area to the cut neck area. 
• Sew the strip together as if you just made a loop.  Flip the strip inside out so the seam is hidden. Repeat on the other side.

I am sure I could have added ribbons or even a ruffle to make cute.  I could had even used ribbon for the loops for the shoulder area or even cut the shoulder seams and tied them.

Before you toss that T-shirt think could it be used for something else or even turned into something else like a dress for your daughter.

Santa Hugs

Santa Hugs

I recently met Santa John from Santa America.  If you don't know about Santa America, it is a national volunteer service.  They have over one-hundred Santas across America visit children and families in crisis.   They are currently working on launching a Santa Canada. 
A Santa will visit when a child or family needs him. He will visit any time of the year and will bringing love, hope and joy to special needs children in a loving visit of about an hour at home, hospital, or hospice.


After visiting with Santa John I decided I would help out and make Santa Hugs.  I picked up the pattern and directions.  Santa John gave me the ribbon and some little advice when making the hugs.  I may not be the best at sewing but I decided I just had to try.  I now have successfully made 3 Santa Hugs and plan on making as many as I can.  I am currently working on recruiting some volunteers in sewing these hugs.  


If you would like more information about Santa Hugs or how you can help visit their website.  


http://www.santa-america.org

ESA Convention 2012 with Santa John