This classroom mascot with a journal pocket is so much fun. It offers a fantastic way to create home/school connections between students, parents and classmates. It is an easy peasy sewing project that takes only an hour our so to complete. I love that it is darling and durable. It is soft like a pillow on one side and hard on the other with the book in the pocket. This makes it easy to carry and transport from school to home and back again. This post is sponsored by Fairfield World and used their Oly*Fun and PolyFil. The ideas and opinions are my own.
To make this mascot you will need the following materials.
- Oly*Fun in a variety of colors
- PolyFil for stuffing mascot
- Scissors
- Pattern (FREE PDF attached)
- Sewing Machine, Thread, Bobbin
- Straight Pins
- Fabric for Pocket (10 inches by 8 inches)
- Felt (Black and White for Eyes)
I like to double layer the Oly*Fun material for sewing projects. Start with a 9 inch wide by 14 inch body (two layers of two pieces). Use the pattern to cut out two feet, two arms and two sets of eye pieces. I double these up too. For the eyes I only suggest one layer of felt.
If you are doubling up the Oly*Fun, sew the layers together around the outside with a zig-zag stitch.
Only sew the layers together around the edges that won’t be sewn in or on to the mascot.
Sew the pocket to one double layer of the body. Sew the two sides first and then across the bottom.
Because the pocket is wider than the width of the body there will be a gather. This will allow space for the journal to fit in the pocket when the mascot is complete.
Pin the eyes and sew the two eyes to the other double later of the body.
Pin the mascot together ensuring that the arms and feet are completely in between the front and back.
Sew along all three sides and in the process you will be attaching the arms and feet. Leave the top open. Stuff the mascot but not too full. The journal won’t fit in the pocket if you get him too fluffy. Add two pieces of Oly*Fun to the top and pin it closed.
Stitch across the top then remove the pins and cut into hairs.
Ta Da!
Add a journal or composition book in the pocket (and pens too!)!
If you want to add a note to parents to help support them in knowing what to do, here is a free printable version that I love.
Kids LOVE to come back to school and share about their adventures! This is one of the best tools I know for bridging the gaps between home life and school life for kiddos.
Cheers to Learning, Loving and Growing at Home and at School!
Laura
This is a great idea. I think there is a line missing from the tag. Should the second part read:
I am with you this weekend. Please share my adventures in the journal.
If I am not reading it correctly, please clarify. I see it as,
“I am the classroom mascot and my name is (insert name here).
with you this weekend and share my adventures in the journal.”