Pinning Patterns

I have decided to learn to sew. So far I have made two aprons and a witches cape for Reagan's costume. I must say... I have a sewing bug. I love to sew!

My sweet mother-in-law has spent several hours in my home teaching me the tricks of the trade. Sure, I have plenty more to learn. But at least I have some basics down. I don't know what it is about sewing, but it is very relaxing for me.

Anyway, as you can see, I have posted a few pictures. The first, of sweet, curious, ambitious Oakley. She loves to do what Mommy is doing. She is such a big girl.

The second picture is where I had pinned my pattern to the fabric for one of the aprons. I was showing Oakley what I was doing. She was so attentive and helpful; handing me pins and whatnot.

Then we get into the pictures of my earrings on my bed.

And so, what do all these pictures have in common?

I was out pinning another pattern when Mike called me into our bedroom because, "You have to look at this. But you may not want to look at this." That is never good.

So I went to see. It wasn't as bad as I initially thought (judging by the tone of his voice). If you look closely at the pictures of the earrings, you will notice that they are "pinned" into my silk duvet cover on my bed. Not a big deal really, I just have a few extra holes (but they are very small).

I just thought it was cute how she was modeling what I was doing. However, we did have a little chat.

I thought it was cute until I went to my craft room yesterday only to find my latest fabric that I had JUST cut out had some extra fabric missing. Oakley had been watching me cut it out and then went down to finish off the job.

At first I was so upset. I sent her to her room for a time out. After a few minutes I cooled down and realized that she just wants to do the things I am doing. And so, I have decided I am going to make Oakley her very own craft box with all kinds of ribbon and fabric that she can hack away as much as she wants. I am hoping that will eliminate her desire to go after my projects.

Does anyone out there have any other ideas? How do I keep her from getting into my jewelry, fabric, ribbon, all my stuff?