Just for fun, this week, I thought I’d share a book that I’ve found inspiring for creating beautiful tools, toys and clothing for my little ones.  Many of you may know of Meg McElwee, and her blog, Sew Liberated, but, if you don’t, you’re in for a treat.

Meg is a wonderful combination of Montessori educator, inspired mom, and creative pattern designer extraordinaire.  She has another book, Sew Liberated, full of adult patterns, but her children’s book Growing Up Sew Liberated: Making Handmade Clothes & Projects for Your Creative Child, would make a great addition to any sewing-inclined homeschooler’s workshop.

The book is full of patterns for everything, from kimono-style play clothes and ring slings, to puppets and naturalist’s scavenger hunt bags.  Every project is inspired by Montessori or creative principles, and Meg provides valuable insights on the how and why of each project.  The layout and design of the book is beautiful, as are the photographs.  With twenty different patterns, interspersed with helpful ideas on adding rhythm and creativity to your children’s lives, the book is worth every penny.

Complete with full-size patterns, it is a wonderfully inspirational book for any mama looking for a creative outlet.  But, my favourite thing about the projects is that they are all either practical or mindful.  No make-work,”gimicky” projects here.  Everything you create is useable and beautiful, so it won’t just be taking up space.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make a reading tent, Waldorf doll, or play cape, they’re all included!  Plus, Meg’s patterns are easy to follow, beautiful and simple enough that even I (a decidedly amateur sewer) can follow them.

I purchased this book for myself as an early Christmas present, and used it to make play capes for the kids for Christmas:

I’ve got to say, they turned out so well!  I’ve never been so pleased with anything I’ve sewn.  I’ve already promised to make one for my nephew’s upcoming birthday. And, next on my list?  Well, I’d really like to make everything in the book… but, I think I’d like to tackle the scavenger hunt bag for my nature-collecting son.

Check out the Sew Liberated blog for more ideas, and inspiration.  Hopefully, you’ll like it as much as I do!