September 29, 2008

Thread Start

Wee Wonderfuls Plush Toy Patterns

You have a knack for making Popsicle-stick towers and pipe-cleaner people.

Now take crafting beyond Junior’s level with Wee Wonderfuls sewing patterns. Created by local mom Hillary Lang, they give step-by-step instructions on stitching your own pint-size plush toy.

Patterns for gnomes, robots, snails, butterflies, and birds (that’s just for starters) come with full-size cutouts and fabric recommendations; many don’t require a sewing machine.

The best news? Lang offers free downloadable patterns on her website.

Sew cool.

Available at Renegade Handmade, 1924 West Division Street, at Winchester Avenue (773-227-2707 or renegadehandmade.com); online at weewonderfuls.typepad.com.

BUY
3.1 Phillip Lim Kids
What: NY designer’s new girls’ line includes pleated skirts, trapeze dresses, and houndstooth trench coats.
Why: Take it to the Lim-it.
When: Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m.
Where: p.45, 1643 N. Damen Ave., b/t Wabansia Ave. & Concord Pl. (773-862-4523).

SEE
In the Dark
What: New exhibit teaches kids about nighttime species (bats, fireflies, and other creatures).
Why: It’ll scare the daylights out of you.
When: Fri.-Jan. 11. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Dr., at Fullerton Ave. (773-755-5100).

READ
Artifacts of Childhood: 700 Years of Children’s Books
What: Exhibit of rare kids’ books and manuscripts includes first editions of Aesop’s Fables and Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
Why: It’s your type.
When: Thru Jan. 17. Mon., Fri. & Sat., 8:15 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Tues.-Thurs., 8:15 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
Where: Newberry Library, 60 W. Walton St., at Dearborn St. (312-255-3691).