Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa, Genevieve got a sewing machine for Christmas. She's been itching to sew since it's my favorite hobby and I snatch time for it weekly. Here she's working on a watermelon skirt for
her dolly Bella.
I'm amazed all over again at adult sewing machine knowledge, when I realize all the tiny steps I have to show her. She's a willing, patient pupil, though. I confess I'm slightly terrified she's going to get a needle in her finger (it's happened to me!)
Ben was in tears yesterday because he so desperately wanted to sew while Genevieve was at school. He was not placated when I offered to hold him on my lap while I sewed new
hand towels for the shop. Genevieve can barely reach the foot pedal to sew, and he's still a good head shorter than her. He's beyond
sewing cards and stringing beads. . . what to do, what to do?
Oh boy have I been there. Seven times actually, from my knee to not reaching the floor, yet wanting to be creative. I am happy to see your daughter sewing or wanting to. It is a life long passion and so very helpful when on a shoe string budget.
ReplyDeleteYour little one is following in mama's footsteps, what a lucky little girl to have a sewing machine of her own..........when my children were very keen to sew but too small to use the sewing machine, we found some odd socks and random buttons, ribbons, and lace, and they enjoyed making the most hilarious and creative sock puppets, with just a little occasional help from me......happy days.
ReplyDeleteIt is so sweet to see your daughter sewing! When we were little, my mom used to let us embroider on gingham (I think with yarn, maybe?).
ReplyDeleteI don't think I have the answer to your question, but I'll share a story from my own childhood. My mother had her mom's treadle sewing machine and I sewed/played on that while Mom sewed. Now, I think I learned a ton from that simple experience that was so helpful when I learned to sew for realz. I suppose I pumped the treadle as fast as it could go sometimes for fun, but when I sewed, I didn't have the coordination to go faster than a creep and I was able to get straight seams because of it. I wish I had a treadle machine for my girl.
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited for her! I'm glad to see she likes it (I was not a willing pupil when my Mom taught me)!
ReplyDeleteIt makes me excited to see children so excited about crafts and making things! It gives me the warm, fuzzies. I hope you find some agreeable project for Ben, too!
ReplyDeletePut him in a chair, put the pedal on a stool, and let him sew paper books. Whenever Little Brother wants to sew something, which is like every time I have my machine out, I let him make little books that he can draw in.
ReplyDeleteMiss G is going to be a lovely seamstress. I love her tiny sewing machine!
I'm impressed. I would have never had the patience for sewing when I was her age.
ReplyDeletePoor Ben. I like Christian's idea.
Christian, you're brilliant. I knew other moms would have good ideas!
ReplyDeleteLily, sock puppets! Thank you.
Mrs. Mordecai, I should set him up with gingham too. . .although I've noticed that handsewing is harder than machine for kids, but machine sewing is so much more dangerous!
I second the vote for embroidery.
ReplyDeletehttp://simplelifemusings.blogspot.com/2011/12/little-christmas-embroidery.html
That is just too cute!! It's a great gift to learn to sew so young... better get my girls onto it so that they can start sewing their own clothes by the time they're 6. LOL
ReplyDeletexo
What about hooking a rug? I know it's not exactly the same, but there are no needles and no height requirements :-)
ReplyDeleteI've missed being able to post - something screwy with blogger and me for the last few months. But I've loved reading, as always!
Melanie! I know: what is up with blogger?! Some of the blogs I follow I can't click on specific posts or the screen freezes. I had been having problems with mine, but I changed the comments to a pop-up box instead of embedded below the post. Seems to be working for now, but I miss commenting on those other blogs, as you said.
ReplyDeleteOH, I love seeing her sewing. What a wonderful gift you are giving her. And yes, you don't realize how much you take for granted until you try to teach someone to do something. Like driving, I think.
ReplyDeleteLove the watermelon!!! :)
oh hey, isn't that watermelon fabric from YOU, Polly? Thank you, again!
ReplyDeleteSO proud your daughter is joining in on the sewing passion..I have 4 grandaughters and 3 of them are loving it too..[and maw is soooo happy].
ReplyDeleteWhen they come to my house,My sewing machine has 2 speeds, so I can set it at the low speed..just right for beginners.. And they cant wait to pull out the scraps and sew away..[sometimes just sewing scraps together].
Love the ideas that others have given for your son to sew.. I have one gandson, but he shows no interest.
Happy sewing, and I enjoy your blog.
Start their quilts.
ReplyDeleteI was 11 when I started sewing. 8 when my mother taught me to knit. The sewing took hold and the knitting didn't but I can turn out a scarf, hat or afghan. I started on an old treadle. Less chance of a needle through a finger, but I never did that, but my mother did.
ReplyDeleteBernina was established in Switzerland over a century prior and has gained notoriety for making the best in class sewing machines, weaving machines, sergers, and weaving programming. There are almost 500 Bernina prepared businesses in the U.S. Sewing reviews
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