Right now in the Home Ec. class that I am teaching, we are working on making grocery bag holders out of kitchen towels. I only have about 10 more students that need to finish these towels. I need some input on what project to do next. I need one that doesn't cost much and is simple to do.

I love all of the comments you have given. Thanks so much and yes, as soon as I can I will get some pics up of the kids projects. Thanks again **hugs**

My first HE project was an apron. We made it the 1st quarter of the class along with a t-shirt and a pair of pajama shorts. The 2nd quarter of the class we were in the kitchen cooking...using the aprons from the 1st quarters sewing section.

This is not fabric-however-I remember when my children were small they made some cute turkey center pieces. The tail was made from them tracing around their hands then coloring the paper fingers different colors. They were darling, and special on the table for turkey day. Your teaching sounds like a fun job to have. God Bless. H&*

You have been given some lovely ideas. Let us know what you let them do. Please also share some pictures of there work. Hugs Yvonne

You have some good answers :) It's good to still hear someone using the term "Home Ec Class" because they don't use it here anymore ;D *2U

Upholstery fabric??? Hmmm..... when I was teaching in PNG I taught my students how to make drawstring bags for their pencil/pens. A long twisted-wool string was made, amid great fun as the lengths of wool started out at long at the length of the classroom, threaded through the casing and made long enough to go over-the-shoulder. The children never had any excuses after that for not having a pen or pencil at the ready.
Drawstring bags in many sizes, of course, are so useful and the skills learnt will serve well in the future.
AlmaG.

I don't know what fabric you have to work with, but if you have scraps, you can cut them in long narrow strips then take three and braid them in to placemats. It's simple and useful at the same time. I've also provided a you tube of how to make a quickie pot holder that only takes about 8 minutes. Really cool.!

I have been making dog toys out of fleece. Using two inch strips and weaving likewhen making lanyards from summer camp. Everyone love them I call them Boomdoggies. I post a picture if you want.

My first projects when I was 10 were a pin cushion (taught stitching corners and how to turn and stuff a pillow), a half apron (taught gathering, straight stitching, and waistbands), and a laundry bag that i still have hanging in my closet!
How about a placemat? 2 rectangles sewn together, turned, and top stitched. Decorations could be done on one side before they are stitched. You could do applique or let them draw with fabric markers.

I've added link to free project ideas.

What about napkin holders. They take very little fabric. It will be interesting to see what others come up with.