Straya Sun Pillow

Materials

• Yellow fleece, two 12-in. squares per child
• Pillow stuffing, 1½ oz. per child
• White poster board, 1 sheet total
• Safety pins, 1 per child

Tools and Basic Supplies

• ¼-in. hole punch
• Fabric scissors
• Ruler
• Marker
• Masking tape

Pre-Prep

1. Make one 11-inch and one 8½-inch diameter circle patterns from the poster board.
2. Use the hole punch to make 16 evenly spaced notches around the edge of the 11-inch circle. As on a clock face, notch the 12, 3, 6, and 9 positions first. Then add three notches between each of those points for a total of 16.
3. Cut the fleece fabric into 12-inch squares, two pieces at a time.
4. Attach a safety pin through the center of the two fabric squares to keep them together. The pin should remain until time to insert the stuffing.
5. Using a marker, lightly trace the 11-inch circle onto the top piece of fabric and place a dot at each of the 16 notches. Cut the circle out through both pieces of fleece.
6. Tape the 8½-inch circle pattern onto the center of the pinned fleece circles. Then make 16 sets of flaps by cutting straight into the fabric from each dot to the edge of the 8½ inch circle.
7. Divide the pillow stuffing into 1½ oz. portions. (A 16 oz. bag should make about 11 portions.)

Teaching Tie-In

Show the sample craft and say:

Australia is considered one of the sunniest countries in the world, and Coober Pedy is one of the sunniest spots in the outback. It’s hot and bright.

We’re going to make a Straya Sun Pillow. (Straya is an Aussie term for Australia.) When you use your pillow, let it remind you to be a light for Jesus, pointing others to our amazing God. That’s your main mission on earth.

Also, like the sun, we should reflect God to others. Use your words, your talents, and your attitudes to show others that God is loving, kind, truthful, good, and faithful.

And remember—God has things for you to do, whether it be a small act of kindness that reflects God’s love, or a big job that takes the rest of your life. If you want to serve God, then serve others. If you want to love God, then love others. Let everything be done for God. Read 1 Corinthians 10:31.

Class Time Directions

1. With the two fleece circles still pinned together and the 16 sets of flaps properly lined up, tie one of the sets of the flaps together. Use a simple overhand knot.
2. Continue tying each set of flaps together until just 3 sets remain untied.
3. Carefully remove the safety pin.
4. Insert the stuffing into the opening.
5. Tie the last three sets of flaps together to complete the pillow.

Tip Corner

• Use quilt cutting tools to cut the 12-inch fabric squares.
• To save money, use coupons for fabric and donated pillows for fiber fill.
• Primary students may need help tying their knots.