Years ago when our adult sons were small we had a couple volumes called Story Stretchers. (here and here – they are a PENNY today. Still find that stunning.  I saved so long to buy books pre-amazon days)  Like the outstanding Five in a Row volumes that would come later they took a children's book and created activities based on the story's location or language or illustrations.  We haven't done full-out units in a while but I always find some element in a story we can build on a little. Once you work through Five in a Row you just start to see all sorts of potential rabbit trails inside a book. 

We read Joseph Had a Little Overcoat last week.  I love this book and like the best picture books there is so much happening in the illustrations that goes over children's heads but is totally engrossing for the grown-up reading.  Shortly after we got the book the little girls ran through the knees of a couple pair of leggings.  This is a rather regular event.  Tough girls, we have.  Before we tossed them we talked about Joseph and looked to see if there was potentially some more life in them.  

Cotton knit headbands are a favorite of Tess and Alannah right now since they don't pinch behind the ears and can hold back heavy hair.  (and don't crack in half when small people overextend them…) When I looked at them they were seriously just a tube of t-shirting.  For a dollar or two a piece?  So before tossing the trashed leggings we cut a tube off across the tops between the waistband and legs.  Quick work to turn right sides together and sew a seam, leaving a bit for turning.  You don't really even have to bother with a seam if you fold the band when you put it on or cut it into a strip and tie it instead.  

Not the world's most glamorous tute.  Just a little practical 'stretcher.'   

 these came from pants like these…

Now if someone can point me to some girl proof leggings I'd be a happy woman. : )