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Monkey Counting Page for a Quiet Book – Free Sewing Pattern

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Monkey Counting Page for a Quiet Book - Free Sewing Pattern

Help keep young hands occupied and young minds practicing their counting at the same time with this quiet book page.  There’s a free pattern for this monkey quiet book page at Felt With Love Designs.  It features a cute monkey and balls with different numbers of buttons sewn on each one.  Kids can match the colors on the balls to put them in number order, so it’s practice for both counting and colors.

[photo from Felt With Love Designs]

Quiet books or busy books are educational book/toys made with age or development appropriate activities for babies, toddlers and preschool-age children. They are interactive and tactile. These books usually involve a cause and effect result as well as visual aids to teach fundamental learning skills. These books also develop hand and eye co-ordination.  You can find more patterns for making Quiet or Busy books here  Etsy.

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Have you read?

AITA for Copying a Sewing Trend I Saw on Pinterest (But Making It Myself)?

Dear Crafty Readers,

“I saw a sewing trend on Pinterest that I loved — a style that’s everywhere right now.

I didn’t buy it. I didn’t resell someone else’s pattern. I just used my own skills and made a version for myself.

When I shared it online, someone accused me of copying and being unethical.

I wasn’t trying to steal anyone’s work. I was just inspired.

Now I’m second-guessing myself and wondering where the line actually is.

Am I the asshole for making my own version of a sewing trend I saw online?

— Anonymous

This question sits firmly in grey territory — and that’s why it sparks such strong reactions.

Inspiration vs Copying: Where Is the Line?

Sewing has always involved inspiration.

Fashion cycles repeat. Trends resurface. Techniques are shared. But social media has blurred boundaries and amplified accusations.

The problem is that not everyone agrees on where inspiration ends and copying begins.

Sewing Culture Has Changed

Decades ago, sewists learned by:

  • Studying garments

  • Adapting styles

  • Experimenting

Now, online visibility brings:

  • Public judgement

  • Call-outs

  • Ethical debates

What used to be normal learning behaviour is suddenly scrutinised.

Is Making for Yourself Different From Selling?

This is where opinions really split.

Some say:

  • “If it’s for personal use, it’s fine.”

Others argue:

  • “Credit should always be given.”

And some believe:

  • “Trends belong to everyone.”

So… Are They the Asshole?

This one rarely lands in a clear yes or no.

And that’s exactly why it’s worth discussing.

What do you think?
 Have trends changed how we view sewing ethics — or are we overthinking it?