Craft Gossip

Independent craft blog since 2007

Etsy Spotlight – The Thomas Boys Shirt Sewing Pattern

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This week in our Etsy Spotlight Series, we’re loving the timeless charm of the Thomas Shirt Sewing Pattern for boys. This versatile button-up pattern is perfect for every occasion—from backyard playdates to weddings and special celebrations.

We think this pattern really shines when paired with fun, bold prints—think quirky florals, vintage cars, tropical vibes, or even festive Christmas fabrics! It’s a fantastic way to let your fabric stash shine while creating something practical and adorable.

This pattern is a must-have for any sewing parent or grandparent. The design is polished enough for formal wear (wedding shirt, anyone?) but still comfy and easygoing for everyday use.

Tip: Try sewing it up in linen or lightweight cotton for summer, or use flannel for a cozy winter version.

Whether you’re sewing for your own kids or making gifts, the Thomas Shirt sewing pattern is a classic that’ll be on repeat.

Free pattern: Little boy’s neck tie

Free Sewing pattern: Baby boy’s reversible bib with a neck tie applique

Tutorial: Boy’s pleated ruffle shirt

Sewing Pattern Tutorial: Make a boy’s dressy vest

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Corn Learning Activities

Years ago I did a post all about using Indian corn (or flint corn) in learning activities, but I don’t think I’ve ever done a post about regular corn learning activities, so let’s get into it. 

Print out this corn number recognition activity from I Heart Crafty Things and use yellow dot stickers for kids to match and cover the numbers from 2 to 12 that they get when rolling dice. Or do some corn kernel math with these ideas from Gift of Curiosity. Kids can guess how many kernels are in a cup or bowl, then count them, and learn about grouping 5 or 10 kernels together and using skip counting to count faster if they’re ready for that. 

I think the only language arts corn learning activity I found was this letter recognition activity from My Pre K Box. Print out the corn shape and use round stickers to match the letter on the kernel to the one on the sticker. 

I found a lot of printables that include the life cycle of corn and other activities, like this one from MomBrite, which includes a word search and other activities; or this 16-page Montessori inspired corn unit study that includes life cycle, labeling, three part cards and more from Only Passionate Curiosity; or the corn worksheets from Simple Everyday Mom, which includes writing practice, a letter identification maze and a label the parts of corn worksheet. 

Tina’s Dynamic Homeschool Plus has a free for subscribers printable life cycle foldout that is a fun way to present the information. They used it in a sensory bin but you can just use it as a part of teaching about corn if you’d rather. 

Dancing corn is a classic science activity done with baking soda and vinegar. Get the instructions from Fun Learning for Kids.

Kids Konnect has a set of printables and facts all about corn mazes, which is fun if going to a corn maze is part of your fall tradition. 

And you can craft a funny ear of corn with this printable from Craft Corner DIY.

14 Mexican Street Corn Recipes [Edible Crafts]