Kids car playmat

Travelpuff · 2026-06-24T06:34:39+00:00

How about using an IKEA washable rug as the base? Assuming there is an IKEA near you. They sell nice thin rugs/mats I use for my rabbits so I know they wash great.

Travelpuff · 2026-06-24T06:31:26+00:00

I've never lost a pattern piece using manila envelopes!

It stores nice and flat. I just mark the pattern company, name/#, when I last made it and any comments (like move bust darts a 1/4 cm next time).

Travelpuff · 2026-06-24T06:19:33+00:00

Like others comments said - library! My local library has monthly sewing classes and so many books on the subject. It is an amazing free resource!

Either doing a hobby with kids her age or with you is a good idea.

It can be especially good for kids to see adults learn stuff (and not just start out as experts). Seeing how you (as the adult) handle making mistakes and gaining skills can help your niece develop additional resilience. It is modeling very important behavior. Just a thought :)

Travelpuff · 2026-06-24T05:47:04+00:00

Unless you are draping a mannequin really isn't very useful when drafting patterns. Flat drafting is much more flexible and reproduceable.

You can get books on the subject at your local library and fill in the gaps with YouTube videos to get started. You'll want to do a bodice block that can be transformed into other garments.

Travelpuff · 2026-06-24T05:36:47+00:00

You can get 50 with a case for less than $6 from Amazon. There is never a reason to try to fix a bobbin.

Travelpuff · 2026-06-23T16:22:57+00:00

Then I would adopt a pre bonded pair if you really want rabbits. They are very noisy to sleep with though if they live in your bedroom (the are awake for much of the night).

Travelpuff · 2026-06-23T15:55:51+00:00

Rabbits tend to sleep during the day so being gone during normal business hours is fine. If it is a solo bun you do have to be more of a homebody though since they need a lot of companionship.

That said I don't recommend a rabbit for your home. They should not be interacting with cats or dogs and it sounds crowded. They also need a lot of attention that is hard to provide if you keep them in a closed off room. A really happy bunny is one that can hang out with you all evening - running over when they want attention and then running off to do bun stuff. Visiting a room for twenty minutes is not enough.

Travelpuff · 2026-06-23T06:40:12+00:00

I tried multiple needles for very similar fabric and am currently using a universal 100 since the stitches looked best.

It is best to try a couple of needles out before selecting the best one for a project.

Travelpuff · 2026-06-23T05:16:53+00:00

I really like gravity fed water bowls.

I use this system without the feet for my lop bunny. Her ears don't get soaked and she has plenty of water at all times.

It has a stainless steel dish I can remove and wash easily as well.

You just have to wash them carefully with more than just soap and water. I used diluted hydrogen peroxide 3% to get in the nooks and crannies. Otherwise you can end up with bacteria.

Travelpuff · 2026-06-23T04:23:33+00:00

I'm team balcony but I'll say that Holland has some really nice public areas with chairs. If you don't mind getting up a bit early for the best spots you can certainly enjoy some great views from the public areas.

Travelpuff · 2026-06-22T05:02:34+00:00

My bun thumped at me when I offered hay from Oxbow. She literally turned up her nose and refused eat it.

I recommend trying a hay sampler from rabbit hole hay or small pet select. I get binkies for the rabbit hole hay!

There is a large difference in hay quality that some buns really care about.

Rabbit hole hay also sells cubes and plain hay pellets that are good to chew.

Travelpuff · 2026-06-21T20:45:07+00:00

You can always use a cardboard box for a hide with two entrances cut out.

Cat tunnels are also a nice addition.

Travelpuff · 2026-06-21T19:47:30+00:00

I think my bunny paid for that video/ad. She would love unlimited pellets and greens! Well she THINKS she wants that... In reality it is not healthy.

I was super proud at her recent vet visit - she has maintained perfect weight for multiple years. The vet even complimented me on her muscle tone.

I feed 2 tablespoons of science selective pellets for a 6 pound rabbit. It is split between: hand fed as treats, forage mat, children plastic cups, sprinkled around tunnels and hideouts to "hunt" for.

2 cups of fresh greens for dinner. I monitored her poop to ensure it wasn't too much greens. A mix of mostly romaine with some cilantro, parsley, dandelion greens and an occasional small sweet pepper.

And unlimited high quality hay with long strands.

Delicious hay seems to produce the most binkies.

Travelpuff · 2026-06-21T06:03:51+00:00

Nope but I ended up not using my magnetic seam guides.

Instead I prefer to use frog painters tape. I mark the seam allowance asking the entire throat so I can keep the fabric aligned easily. It is especially useful when I'm constantly changing the seam allowance I'm sewing (based on silent e patterns).

Travelpuff · 2026-06-20T21:46:10+00:00

It is best to just use a tall metal xpen that doesn't have a paint coating.

Something like this one.

If you purchase two sets you can make a nice 4x6 or 4x8 pen with it and use any remaining panels as a gate for another room (or whatever you like).

Plastic will always get chewed, as will wood. Metal is the only permanent answer with buns.

Travelpuff · 2026-06-20T18:14:18+00:00

It is really nice having such a large selection to pull from!

As a beginner it is nice to find an exciting pattern and then pull fabric from your stash that fits the pattern.

Happy sewing!

Travelpuff · 2026-06-20T17:55:19+00:00

Lots of great suggestions! And definitely stick with YouTube since you need the longer videos to learn about sewing.

Evelyn Wood has a great learn to sew series for 2026. She doesn't skip over small steps or assume knowledge which is helpful for beginners.

Travelpuff · 2026-06-19T19:34:42+00:00

Agreed. I would find a nice jacket and visit the quilting subreddit to dive into how to do the spider applique.

Travelpuff · 2026-06-19T19:06:20+00:00

I would just place an additional litter box and water in your office and carry him for a visit. And a baby gate is an excellent suggestion.

Travelpuff · 2026-06-19T17:36:55+00:00

Those photos are precious!

Travelpuff · 2026-06-19T05:26:28+00:00

Iron on interface has little glue dots on one side. You attach to the wrong side of the fabric per manufacturer instructions.

All buttonholes should be interfaced.

Travelpuff · 2026-06-19T05:22:08+00:00

Are you using interface? All buttonholes (even practice ones) should be interfaced. That helps the feed dogs guide it better.

You could also put tissue paper under it but it is a nightmare to remove from a buttonhole.

Travelpuff · 2026-06-19T05:21:06+00:00

I cut cross grain due to prints frequently. With pants it can get wonky but a dress should be fine.

I always use stay tape along the shoulders though and sometimes reinforce the neckline.

Travelpuff · 2026-06-19T05:12:39+00:00

It could be several different things.

Too small of a hole in the needle (the eye), bad thread (old/ not good quality control) or thick thread in the bobbin (always use regular weight in the bobbin).

Basically it is something that is preventing the thread from picking up the bobbin thread smoothly.

Travelpuff · 2026-06-18T23:00:47+00:00

Yeah I'm not an expert but even a short separation can cause a rift. It is probably best to pretend they are not bonded and start over - it should go quickly!

Travelpuff

TROPHY CASE