The sewing machine baffles me.  It takes me half a morning just to thread the bobbin.  Plus I find the sewing machine to be a bit of an inconvenience with children around…once I set it up, I’m pretty much glued to that spot (unless I want to lug the thing all around the house and outside with me).  But give me a needle and thread and I’m a happy crafter.  I simply put my craft supplies in a big ziploc baggie along with my needle and thread and I have a portable project.  Here’s a craft I recently made for the kids that was quick and easy.  You can find the directions and patterns at Family Fun Magazine.