Free and almost free things to do this summer

What are your summer plans?  Ours is to relax, but also have some fun at a slower pace.  I am always looking for things that Miss V can do during the summer.

Miss V loves to read.  She participates in our county's summer reading program.  They give incentive prizes throughout the summer.  I do not know what they will be this year.

Books A Million has a summer reading program too.  Read any 6 books from their list and your child will receive a free Carl Hiaasen Backpack, while supplies last.

Barnes and Noble also has a summer program.  There's is read any 8 books and your child will receive a free book.

Another thing we sign up for is the Kids Free Bowling at AMF Lanes.  All you have to pay for is the shoe rental.  Miss V loves doing this with her friends.

Workshops at your local library!  Our county has such great programs through the whole summer for all different age groups.

Summer Movie Express from Regal Cinemas.  We loved doing this last summer.  You do have to get to the theater an hour or so before show time to wait in line.  We noticed that last year that towards the end of the summer the crowd changed from nice polite people to families that decided to cut in line and just plain disrespectful.  It kind of ruined it for us.

Miss V also loves doing crafts and science experiments.  Eduation.com has some great ideas.

What are some of your favorite things to do in the summer.

Simplicity 2296 Jumper, another version

So I quickly whipped another jumper up last night.  This time, I did cut it about an inch longer.

I am really liking the bright flowery fabric.  It is so summery and Miss V was so excited to see Kathleen in her new dresses.

Simplicity 2296 - First attempt

So I have this Simplicity Pattern 2296.  I thought I would try it out this afternoon.

It is supposed to have trim down the front and two pockets with trim.  Well Miss V isn't into fancy trims so I thought I would just show off this beautiful fabric that I have had for years.

I followed the directions and didn't like the way the back seam looked so I ripped it out and used Velcro from the neck to the hem.  Yep...that works much better for me...

It is kind of short, but really cute!  I think next time I might cut the fabric just a bit longer.  Or find some way to make tiny shorts or look for them on eBay.

Patriotic Color block Dress

This morning I was listening to Mouseworld on Live365 and the Voice of Liberty came on.  It inspired me to make a patriotic dress for Kathleen that was similar to Miss V's dress from last summer.

I have been having my own issues with the pattern fitting right, so I cut the top pieces a bit wider.  This time they were just a bit to wide, but I can always make a cute necklace to help disguise the loose top.

 

Camo Safari Hat

I also have had this pattern for a Safari Hat for a very long time and was to afraid to try it.  Well, I am slowly getting over my fear of doll clothes.  The worst that can happen is I mess up and use up a bit of fabric.

It actually came out pretty good on the first attempt.  It definitely works better with a thicker material. Oh and it is lined in thin black fabric.

So what do you think?  Cute huh?  Miss V was very happy with it.

Camo Outfit

I made this as a surprise for Miss V.  I had been hiding the fabric at the bottom of my stash so that she wouldn't see it.  I use the Trendy Tank Pattern for the top and cut it a bit wider than the pattern since the material does not stretch.

The bottoms were just a basic pant pattern.

Urban Handbag, another version

I am just having to much fun making these cute little Urban Handbags to go along with each different outfit.