Sweet Sewing-themed Picture Books

Sweet Sewing-themed Picture Books

by | Jun 26, 2024 | Craft Tutorials

Looking for a sweet picture book to share with your little seamstress? We’ve gathered up a few favorites for you from brand-new to classic. Enjoy!

sewing themed picture books

I had a Favorite Dress by Boni Ashburn

I had a Favorite Dress follows the story of a little girl who outgrows her favorite dress. Her mom is always ready to transform the dress into something new with her creativity and sewing skills. This book is full of rhythm and rhyme and has adorable illustations. Perhaps you’ll be inspired to upcycle something in your closet after reading this book.

i had a favorite dress
sewing themed picture books

Sew Sister by Elise Matich

Did you know that space shuttles are covered in panels of special fireproof fabric? Sew Sister tells the story of Jean Wright and the NASA seamstresses who sewed blankets to cover space shuttles. We love how this story speaks to the unique and perhaps surprising ways that we may be called to use our God-given talents and interests. Sew Sister is told in rhyme with beautiful illustrations.

Sew sister NASA
sew sister nasa
sewing themed picture books

The Wordless Weaver by Claudia Cangilla McAdam

This touching book is an especially good read during the Lenten season. The Wordless Weaver imagines the story of a little girl who might have woven the burial cloth for Jesus. The tone is quite serious and sad… but a miracle comes at the end! My children love this story and ask to read it any time of year.

wordless weaver
sewing themed picture books

Corduroy and A Pocket for Corduroy by Don Freeman

As a girl who loved sewing from a very young age, these were some of my favorite books as a child. The Corduroy books tell the story of Lisa and her stuffed bear, Corduroy. Lisa is happy to use her sewing skills to repair Corduroy’s overalls and sew a pocket for him. Perhaps your child might be inspired to mend a toy too after reading these books.

corduroy

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Note:  Some links on this page are Amazon Affiliate links.  Sparkles and Sprinkles is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Other links may or may not be affiliate links.  We provide links because we have found these products or services beneficial, and we think you might too.

Stitching with Saints

Stitching with Saints

by | Jun 21, 2024 | Craft Tutorials

Come learn about some holy women who loved to work with their hands, including Our Blessed Mother, Saint Zelie Martin, and Saint Rose of Lima. Then be inspired to try some stitching projects of your own. In this post we provide links to resources to learn about lace making and embroidery. We also have links for beautiful Catholic fabric to inspire your next sewing project. 

Note: We have a number of video links in this post, and we have noticed on some devices (with lazy load), the video link images do not appear. In this case, please click on the text link to go to the videos.

Saint Rose of Lima

Saint Rose of Lima is the patron saint of embroidery.

Saint Rose of Lima

Public Domain image of Saint Rose of Lima

Embroidery can be a fun way to learn how to sew. A project we love that can also make a sweet gift is a hand emboidered flour sack towel. Simply sketch your design with pencil on a portion of the towel, attatch an emboidery hoop, and start stitching (the video below gives some great ideas for a variety of stitches).

Can’t see the image? Click here for the embroidery sampler video.

Saint Zélie Martin

Saint Zélie Martin, the mother of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, was a talented lacemaker.

Zelie Martin

Public Domain Image of Saint Zelie Martin

Lacemaking is not something we have tried at Sparkles and Sprinkles, but we think it sounds like a fun challenge. How about you? Do you want to give lacemaking a try? We have gathered together a few videos about lace making to help you get started. The first one is from Alençon, the town where Saint Zélie and her family lived. 

zelie martin lace

We found this picture of beautiful lace made by Saint Zélie in the book Thérèse and Lisieux by Pierre Descouvement.

Cant’s see the image? Click here for Lace Making in Alençon video.

Can’t see the image? Click here to see video on needlepoint lace.

Can’t see the image? Click here to see the beginning lace making video of lace from around the world.

Our Blessed Mother Mary

We can imagine Our Blessed Mother sewing for the Holy Family.

Public Domain Image of “The Virgin Sewing”

Making a baby Jesus doll or making clothes for a baby doll could be a beautiful way to think about Our Blessed Mother as you sew. For a little inspiration, we are posting a photo of a Waldorf-style baby Jesus doll we made a few years ago. Perhaps sometime we’ll make tutorial on how to make this sweet little doll.

jesus waldorf doll

Sewing Sisters

Many religious sisters spend time making beautiful vestments and church linens.

sister wilhelmina

You may have heard of Sister Wilhelmina, whose body was found to be incorrupt. She was the foundress of the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles. This religious order may be best known for their beautiful singing, but they also spend part of their days sewing vestments for the Church.

 

This video gives a glimpse into the daily life of the sisters of Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles (vestment making is mentioned around minute 3).

Watch this video to hear a wonderful talk on the significance of vestments.

Are you inspired to make vestments? A fun way to start might be making miniature vestments, as used in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd classes. Here is a link for a pattern sold on Etsy.

Catholic Fabric We Love

A sweet friend introduced us to Spoonflower a few years ago. We had no idea that this delightful treasure of fabric with Catholic designs existed. We are so happy to share with you some of our favorite Catholic fabric designers on Spoonflower…

spoonflower catholic fabric

Littleliteraryclassics on Spoonflower has fabric to make simple pocket saint dolls. This is a darling little project for the beginning seamstress. They can be sewn by hand or by machine. In this photo, we used pinking shears to cut around the edge so that the fabric did not even have to be turned inside out for children making their very first (big) stitches.

marigold catholic goods co

Marigold Catholic Goods Co. has beautiful designs! If I could, I would buy them all. The color palette and designs bring such peace and joy. I think you will enjoy them too. We made a pennant banner for a garden party using the “Consider how the wildflowers grow” fabric from this designer. Definitely check out the other designs in this shop too! And if you are not up for a sewing project, but love the designs, you can find these beautiful designs on mugs, scarves, blankets and more in the Catholic All Year Marketplace.

spoonflower hail mary fabric

Our homeschool group sewing group used the “Hail Mary” fabric from The Little Rose Shop to make some doll pillows and blankets. The Little Rose Shop has so many other sweet designs as well!

marigold catholic goods co. pennant

“Sew” delightful… if you would like to make a pennant banner too, we recommend Leigh Ann Wilke’s tutorial . She figured out the math on how to make the best use of the fabric! So it’s a breeze to make it. 

We hope you’ve enjoyed reflecting on sewing with us.

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proverbs sewing

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blossoms

Blossoms on the sidewalk: Embracing Creative Messes

doll and me dress

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Note:  Some links on this page are Amazon Affiliate links.  Sparkles and Sprinkles is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Other links may or may not be affiliate links.  We provide links because we have found these products or services beneficial, and we think you might too.

Blossoms on the sidewalk: a little reflection on creative messes

Blossoms on the sidewalk: a little reflection on creative messes

by | May 14, 2024 | Craft Tutorials

If you happen to be stopping by Sparkles and Sprinkles, it probably means that you are the parent of creative children, who might just make some creative messes sometimes, or perhaps you are the creative culprit making (and leaving) messes, as I am too.

So, though Sparkles and Sprinkles is not normally a place for reflective articles, we are posting one today… 

A few weeks ago, I happened to have the chance to take a walk by myself on a beautiful spring day. As I walked along the sidewalk, I found myself delighting in walking through an abundance of pink apple blossoms, which had fallen on the sidewalk from the beautiful tree above. I silently thanked God in my heart for this gift of fluffy pink blossoms I was walking through on the sidewalk.

A few days later, it was Saturday cleaning day in our house, and as I sat down drinking some tea, and having a little prayer time after breakfast (getting ready for the tasks of the day ahead), those blossoms on the sidewalk floated into my mind.

One of the ways we are made in the image and likeness of God is that we love to create, just like God does.

It occurred to me that one of the ways we are made in the image and likeness of God is that we love to create, just like God does. God is so abundant in his creation: not just one blossoming tree, but many; not just a few blossoms on each tree, but an overwhelming beautiful abundance of blossoms. With this abundance of creativity comes what one could call “a mess.” But in fact no one would think of an abundance of pink blossoms on the sidewalk as a mess, but rather, just a beautiful sign of spring.

Of course God does have a plan for picking up this “mess” – the wind eventually blows it away, or it’s washed by the rain, or perhaps even swept away by someone in a nearby house as the yardwork is done. However, it’s usually not cleaned up instantly, and as it lingers on the sidewalk, no one worries. And perhaps, others, like myself, even delight in the “mess” of blossoms.

So as I sat sipping tea and reading the Mass readings in my Magnificat, it occurred to me that I could think of the messes strewn around our home like blossoms on the sidewalk. Yes, they would have to get picked up eventually, but as they sit there, they don’t have to be considered as an eyesore, but rather a sign of the springtime of the creativity of our children.

Yes, the messes would have to get picked up eventually, but as they sit there, they don’t have to be considered as an eyesore, but rather a sign of the springtime of the creativity of our children

Since that morning, I have been trying to look at the messes, take a deep breath, say to myself, “Blossoms on the sidewalk,” and then more kindly and patiently figure out a pick up plan. So…

Paper scraps, glitter, and marker caps all over the floor… deep breath… blossoms on the sidewalk.

Legos all over the floor… deep breath… blossoms on the sidewalk (if only they felt like blossoms when stepped on, oh well!)

Hair binders and Barbie accessories strewn on the rug and down the hallway… deep breath… blossoms on the sidewalk.

Flour dust and batter drippings lingering on the counter… deep breath… blossoms on the sidewalk.

Admittedly, sometimes I’m the creative mess-maker… so, candle making supplies all over the counter, and the sewing machine still not put away, surrounded by scraps of fabric and pieces of thread… deep breath… blossoms on the sidewalk.

Praise God for the gift of being made in His image and likeness, and for the gift of creativity He planted in us. Creative work sometimes leaves trails of messes… no worries, just more beautiful blossoms on the sidewalk. Delightful. Beautiful. Creative.

– Written one morning on scraps of paper with a dull colored pencil, as a pen could not be found, and opening the computer sounded unappealing.

 

 

Ready to sprinkle some blossoms of creativity? We have some ideas for you…

Click here for our

craft tutorials.

Click here for our

kid-friedly recipes.

Sewing Scripture – Cursive and Printing Practice Pages

Sewing Scripture – Cursive and Printing Practice Pages

by | Apr 12, 2024 | Craft Tutorials

Does your little girl love sewing and want to practice cursive or printing? In this post, we share with you 12 free printables with sewing-related scripture passages that can be used all throughout the liturgical year. Your child can reflect on scripture passages while practicing printing or cursive. There is space on some pages to also be creative and draw pictures that come to mind while reflecting on the scripture.

These writing practice pages were created for our homeschool sewing group this year, but I wanted to share them with you as well. As I searched for sewing-related scripture, I found that the Bible is filled with scripture about sewing, weaving, and cloth.

I also began to reflect upon the fact that some of the tangible reminders God gives us of his love come in the form of cloth… the Shroud of Turin, the Veil of Veronica, and Saint Juan Diego’s tilma with the beautiful image of Our Lady. Sometimes holy cards contain relics of the saints, which can be little pieces of the cloth of their clothing. The story of Saint Gerard’s handkerchief and miraculous help for safe childbirth also comes to mind.

What a gift it is to be able to weave, sew, and create! And how beautiful it is that we can give glory to God through the work of our hands.

proverbs sewing
sewing scripture
sewing scripture
sewing scripture
sewing scripture
Luke 2:12 sewing scripture

Simply click on any image below to access all writing practice pages. Each file contains both a cursive version and a printing version of the scripture, even though only one of the images is shown as a sample here.

 

sewing scripture
sewing scripture
sewing scripture
sewing scripture
sewing scripture
sewing scripture
sewing scripture
sewing scripture
sewing scripture
sewing scripture
sewing scripture
sewing scripture

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Gluten-free banana munchkins – Perfect for Mardi Gras!

Gluten-free banana munchkins – Perfect for Mardi Gras!

by | Jan 22, 2024 | Snack and Dessert Recipes

Looking for a donut that is a little healthier than the store bought version, but still a delicious treat? Try our fun banana cinnamon munchkins! They are gluten-free and refined-sugar-free. 

Several years ago, one of our daughters asked, “Do you think we could make gluten-free donuts?” Mama, of course, asked the question of how we could make them somewhat healthy, and we came up with this recipe together. Our children love them, and we hope your family will too!

The munchkins are pictured here with Mardi Gras decorations because they can make great “Beignets de Carnaval,” but they can make a yummy treat at any time of the year.

The main ingredients are bananas and light buckwheat flour. To read more about how we came to love light buckwheat flour – a gluten-free flour with a light color and mild flavor – click here. These munchkins are fried in oil, but if you prefer a baked donut, check out our paleo donut recipe.

gluten-free munchkin

Let’s make munchkins!

Gather your kitchen supplies:

  • Mixing bowl
  • Potato masher (or fork)
  • Mixing spoon
  • 1 Tbsp
  • 1 tsp.
  • 1/2 tsp.
  • 1 cup
  • 1/4 cup
  • sauce pan
  • cookie scooper
  • slotted spoon
  • plate
  • paper towels

Gather your ingredients:

For the batter:

  • 2 ripe bananas
  • 1 Tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 cup light buckwheat flour
  • 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  • 1/4 to 1/2 cup water

For frying:

  • vegetable oil – enough to fill 2″ deep in pan 

For dusting:

 

Measure, mix, cook, enjoy!

Step 1

Peel 2 ripe bananas and place them in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2

Mash the banana well, using a potato masher or a fork.

Step 3

Measure 1 Tbsp vegetable oil.

Step 4

Add the 1 Tbsp vegetable oil to the mashed bananas.

Step 5

Measure 1 cup light buckwheat flour.

Step 6

Add light buckwheat flour to the bowl.

Step 7

Measure 1 tsp. cinnamon.

Step 8

Add cinnamon to the bowl.

Step 9

Measure 1/2 tsp. baking soda.

Step 10

Add baking soda to the bowl.

Step 11

Mix all ingredients well, adding 1/4 to 1/2 cup water to get a thick, but moist, batter consistency.

Step 12

Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. (Use enough oil for about 1.5 to 2 inches of oil in the bottom of the pan.)

Step 13

To test if the oil is the right temperature, place a wooden spoon handle into the oil. If bubbles form around the wood, the oil is hot enough.

Step 14

Using a cookie scooper, drop a number of munchkins into the oil. Be careful to be gentle so that the oil does not splash. Do not overcrowd the pan.

Step 15

Tip: Use a metal spoon to gently loosen the munchkins from the bottom of the pan, if necessary. The munchkins need to float in the oil.

Step 16

Let the munchkins cook in the oil until they are golden brown. (This only takes a few minutes.)

Step 17

Use a slotted metal spoon to remove the munchkins from the oil one by one. 

Step 18

Place the munchkins on a paper towel covered plate to let them cool (the paper towel absorbs excess oil).

Step 19

Tip: You may want to cut into a munchkin to see if it is cooked thoroughly in the middle. (Cook a little longer if necessary.) Repeat steps 14 to 18 until all munchkins are cooked. Let them cool while making the cinnamon “sugar” coating.

Step 20

Make the cinnamon “sugar” mixture by mixing together ground cinnamon and stevia powder. (About 2 packets stevia powder and 2 tsp. cinnamon should be enough, but make more if you prefer.)

Step 21

Roll the munchkins, one by one, in the cinnamon “sugar” coating. (Note: the cinnamon “sugar” coating is optional. If you prefer a munchkin that is less messy, skip the coating.)

Let the party begin!

Looking for masks and bead for Mardi Gras? We had so much fun decorting these masks last year, and thought these beads were great too. Enjoy!

We’re so glad you stopped by sparklesandsprinkles.blog today!

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Have a beautiful day! Bonne journée!

Note:  Some links on this page are Amazon Affiliate links.  Sparkles and Sprinkles is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Other links may or may not be affiliate links.  We provide links because we have found these products or services beneficial, and we think you might too.