Last year I whipped up a few of these little fabric chalkboards. They are quick and easy and a great gift for little friends. I think they'd also be great to hang up in the kitchen for all those 'to do's' that we forget about.
*Update!!! I forgot to mention that you can use Timtex (super stiff interfacing) instead of batting, or in combination with your batting to make the chalkboard stiffer. So sorry I didn't mention this earlier. Sweet Jessica even asked about the batting and I sent her an email telling her that some regular Warm and Natural would be fine, and completely forgot to tell her that she could use Timtex too! Please forgive me you guys... I promise to punish myself.
All you need to make one of these little fellas is some chalkboard fabric, which you can find at most craft stores, a couple of coordinating fat quarters, and a bit of batting. I didn't use a pattern, and I know most of you fabulous sewers out there can easily make one of these just by looking at mine. If you are a new sewer and would really like a tutorial for one of these please let me know and I'll do my best to get one going!
Basically, you just cut out your chalkboard fabric to whichever size you'd like, add a small border, make a chalk holder, and then sandwich and bind. Voila! C'est tres simple n'est pas? Sorry, my college francais pops out like that sometimes.... Which has rubbed off on my husband, who has never taken a lick of french, so it always makes me laugh when I ask him a question and he says, "Je ne sais pas!" (I don't know!) or, his favorite, "moi aussi!" (me too!)
My only major tip is this, Do Not let your iron get near the chalk board fabric! It will melt it. So you'll finger press your borders if you know what's good for ya!
Above are the backside views, just stitch the binding down like you would on any quilt.
I just found one of my girls these little wellies! Aren't they adorable? And guess where I found them.... Walmart! I know, shreek...shudder...maybe dry heave a little....but we love them.
Hope some of you have fun making little chalk boards. Merci! x
Chalkboards are a great idea! We could use one of those at our house to practice our spelling words. You've got me thinking! And I love the wellies too... the color is so catchy.
Posted by: Renee | October 09, 2008 at 01:17 PM
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
These wellies are soooo cute!! What a great find!! And the little chalkboards are such a good idea, but I´ve never heard of a chalk fabric. Must have a look!!
Hugs,
Sabine
Posted by: Sabine | October 09, 2008 at 01:29 PM
The chalkboards are adorable! So are those wellies.
Posted by: MichelleB | October 09, 2008 at 01:43 PM
Fabulous! The chalkboard and the Wellies!
Posted by: Melanie O. | October 09, 2008 at 01:57 PM
That is such a cute idea. What great gifts that would make. And the wellies - makes me wish I had a child to buy them for!
Posted by: Nanette | October 09, 2008 at 02:46 PM
I love the wellies (gumboots). I can see my girl wearing them down to milk the cow (or even me). The cows may take a second look. Chalkboard is a great idea. Might have to make one. Thanks for your ideas.
Posted by: kerri at provincial patch | October 09, 2008 at 03:06 PM
What a great project...thanks for sharing such a fun idea!
Posted by: Sherri | October 09, 2008 at 03:17 PM
Great idea! Thanks for the iron tip -- I've never worked with that fabric, so it's good to know. Adorable Wellies!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | October 09, 2008 at 04:09 PM
Oh I adore your chalkboards! I've never seen chalkboard fabric. And I never would have thought up something so adorable. Saving in my memory to try this myself.
Thank you!
Posted by: Pollyanna | October 09, 2008 at 04:34 PM
The chalkboards are amazing! I didn't even know there was such a thing as chalkboard fabric. And the wellies have me wanting to run to Walmart. I know they won't fit me... but they are totally i-gotta-haves!
Posted by: happy zombie | October 09, 2008 at 04:49 PM
I am with the others.....never heard of chalkboard fabric, but I will be looking for it. These are too quite and my grands will love them. My little princess grand would love the wellies too!!! Thank you for both ideas.
Posted by: Barbara | October 09, 2008 at 06:47 PM
Too CUTE.......some days it isn't good to be interrupted. B
Posted by: Barbara | October 09, 2008 at 06:49 PM
Too too cute! I love the wellies (and I'm going to call them that for the rest of my life, now!). Did you use just regular batting for the chalk boards? it wasn't too soft to write on? I love them! I'm going to make several. tomorrow ~ if I make it to JoAnn's! :)
Posted by: Jessica | October 09, 2008 at 07:09 PM
Oh, the chalk boards are very cute. So are the spotted wellies.
Have a lovely weekend!
Posted by: Binny | October 09, 2008 at 08:25 PM
Great idea! I haven't seen the chalk board fabric . . . but I haven't looked for it either :)
Posted by: Amy @ parkcitygirl | October 09, 2008 at 11:00 PM
Those chalkboards are just the cutest things ever!
I've used the chalkboard paint before, but this fabric is completely new to me. How cool!
Oh, and the wellies...adorable! Do they come in adult sizes? :)
Kimberly
Posted by: Niesz Vintage Home | October 09, 2008 at 11:01 PM
Came by accident on your blog and I love it. I just flicked trough your whole blog and we have a lot in common. I am a longtime quilter and I also love cats and flower. Never heard of chalkboard fabric either. The idea of this fabric chachboard is fantastic. Will sure be back to visit!
Posted by: Nicky | October 10, 2008 at 06:19 AM
Vous êtes un incroyable couturière! J'aime les noirs.
Et la photo avec les bottes est génial!
Posted by: Jane | October 10, 2008 at 08:41 AM
Those chalkboards are such a great craft.
Posted by: Carrie P. | October 10, 2008 at 01:27 PM
I didn't know there was such a thing as chalkboard fabric, how neat! I've purchased chalkboard paint before but this is a new one to me! What a really neat idea....now to go out & find some! :) Thanks for the inspiration. Yours look adorable.
Posted by: sherry | October 10, 2008 at 09:43 PM
chalkboard fabric? who knew. i've never heard of this, but it's a GREAT idea.
Posted by: jacquie | October 11, 2008 at 04:57 AM
Fantastic! I've scheduled a link to this post to go live on my blog later this morning (Central USA time). I hope it brings you a few extra clicks.
Denise
http://needlework.craftgossip.com
Posted by: Denise Felton | October 11, 2008 at 08:21 AM
I have never even heard of chalkboard fabric -- I guess I will have to take a wander to the local quilt shops and find out if anyone else here has (heard of it)...
I took a cue from your previous post about repairing your patchwork kitty and repaired my son's blue teddy (made 34 years ago) and then I put together a new patchwork kitty for a great neice for a christmas present. I am still sewing the face, so Have not yet posted it on my blog, but will do so in the next few days and will post a link to your inspiration kitty.
Posted by: Miss Snips | October 11, 2008 at 09:12 AM
I know how you feel about Walmart. Sometimes it's just a necessary evil!
Darling chalk board hangings!
Posted by: Miss Jean | October 11, 2008 at 11:30 AM
i love this!!!
Posted by: Jessica Dougherty | October 12, 2008 at 09:01 AM