Puzzles - Quilting Style
October 6, 2011 As a mom, I think doing puzzles is very good exercise for growing brains. When I was a kid, I loved doing puzzles. It was one of a VERY few things I was better at than my big sister. Which is probably why I liked doing them ... ;)
So naturally, I encourage my girls to do things that are good for them but that I also like to do.
Now, I'm trying not to force quilting on them. I don't want them to hate it because I made them do it. But if I can figure out how to trick them into doing something educational while wrapping it up in a pretty package full of fun, I will.
That's right, I'm sneaky. I'll admit it.
Here's my latest triumph.
Math puzzles.
Cleverly disguised as last week's FW blocks.
Can't believe I didn't think of this earlier!
Oh, and did I mention they both had so much fun they're BEGGING me to cut more blocks?! Mwah ah ah ah ... some things about parenting you just can't put a price tag on!
The only downside to this whole exercise? Watching them man-handle the triangles.
Bias cut edges should be respected.
And feared.
FWQAL, Fabric, Parenthood 
Reader Comments (18)
You're a clever mum! I'd love to math puzzle with this beautiful fabric. Can I come to you and help;-)
Hildy
You are so clever! What a great idea - I think I will have to do this with my grandchildren. Thanks for sharing.
How about they were gloves, would that help?
Vivienne x
Manhandle triangles......ROFL!!!
Too funny!
What a fun and clever idea! My granddaughter loves to match fabrics - I'm going to try this idea with her, hope you don't mind :-)
What a clever mom - grat idea!
"Respect the Bias" :-)
Great idea!!
I once gave a quilting magazine to a friend who was a maths teacher, so that she could show her pupils practical applications of tesselation (if that's how you spell it!!) Seeing the repeating shapes fitting together to make quilts blocks made it much easier for them to grasp.
My kids used some kind of cardboard shape in elementary school to do things like this. I think they called them tangrams but I could be way off. I think you have a much better idea! I even got to tell a carpenter how to cut some wood to make the most of efficient use of what he had last week. Quilting skills aren't just for fabric anymore!
I had my (at the time) 11 yr old niece help me with a simple quilt for her sister's birthday. She was so proud. I had the 1.5 inch squares cut and she chose which ones to use; she ironed them down on the pre-printed grid with the mini-hand iron and then I did the stitching. She helped me design the label which I did on the embroidery machine. It was the hit of the party. All the other teens at the party were so impressed with the little sister's efforts.
Beckie
Ha! What better way to foster analytical thinking among the leaders of tomorrow? Maybe you can give them some tweezers to pick up the triangles. That way, they're not warping the bias edges AND they're improving hand-eye coordination. Wink wink!
What a great idea - and such beautiful fabric!! Can I come play??
Very clever You! I'm thinking you might need to cut the girls their own pieces so they won't be touching yours. And then....well, you know what happens when one has quilt pieces just sitting around. And an idle machine over there....
I just recently found your blog and loving it. I couldn't find an email address for you, so I figured I'd ask here. I am planning on writing a blog entry on things I found that I liked recently. I was wondering if you would mind if I used the image of your blog header and linked it back to your blog? Thank you.
Oh MAN!!! That is wonderful! Yes, dainty triangles should be handled with care. ;0
What a great mom! Letting the helpers dip into your "forbidden pile" AND letting them recklessly play with bias-cut triangles...livin' on the edge!!! ;)
This is a wonderful idea! Now,the next step, have them begin to sew the pieces together,I guarantee,they will be hooked! Your fabric selections are to drool over as usual,youhave the best stash ever..love this idea!!!
Just let me ditto Bonnie's comment about your stash. I could move right in and take it over. You are a clever, creative gal and great writer. Pioneer Woman has nothin' on you. But I have to ask, are there 24 hours is your day? Really! You get so much done. Thanks for more inspiration yet again.