It’s that cosy time of year when we stay inside more and do indoorsy stuff, so let’s have a crafternoon!

I think that getting together and making things is heaps of fun and it’s even more fun to make things to give to other people. So what could be better than to make cute, handmade soft toys? You can make these for your favourite kidlet, or you can make them for yourself if you are a bit of a softie. I think it’s nice to bundle up with a pal and make things together or you can get older kids involved in the crafting too. Let’s make soft toys!

Simple sew monster from Kidspot

Oh my. I have such a soft spot for these simple-to-make “monsters”. I think I need to make one today. You could make these in your child’s favourite colour felt, or you could refashion a cute shirt or dress your child has grown out of into a new friend.

Rainbow sunshine soft toy from Chez Beeper Bebe

Look how cute! This simple sunshine toy can feature rainbow ribbons, like in this photo, or you can add ribbons in one colour for a more neutral look. This is a great one for a baby! Look at all those interesting colours and textures and bits to explore. Much nicer than something you’d buy at the shops, right?

Totoro soft toy from Cut Out and Keep

Are your kids into movies like Spirited Away and Ponyo? Maybe they’ve seen My Neighbour Totoro too? You can make a fuzzy wuzzy, easy peasy Totoro for your favourite anime loving person in an hour or two. I think you’ll have a hard time giving it away!

Knitted guitar from Jo Made This

Look how great this knitted guitar is. You can make this from old jumpers if you cut them out carefully and use small stitches to sew the panels together (be careful of unravelling). I love this project and I bet everyone at your place will love it too, kidlet or not! Don’t you just want one?!

No-sew sock snowman from Kidspot

Up-cycle all those odd socks in your laundry basket by making a sock snowman for winter.  This is a fun rainy day activity that requires no sewing: Just string and glue.