How old is your daughter? When my younger two were 2, they could handle plastic canvas and yarn. I think their first ones had pictures on them for a pattern, then they became creative and did their own designs. It kept them busy for a long time. Put some of the craft things mentioned on a plastic table cloth and put it away except for when you are sewing. Does JoAnn's still have the coated fabric with the road map and the pretty one with the shops? Those are easy to pop in a shoe box and spread out only at sewing time. A multitasking mother can talk and sew at the same time without having her on your lap.