Crafty Playdate

Frankie had a sweet friend over for a playdate.  After playing fireman and running around like crazy, they asked to sew.  You know I love that!  They looked through Sewing School 2 and decided on the Extra Pocket and Belt which was perfect because Frankie has been obsessing over fanny packs lately (don't ask).

These kids are 5 years old.  I thought you might like to see how I sew more advanced projects with younger kids.  It's a mix of independence and help.  Frankie has been sewing with me for awhile, but this was his friend's first time.  Throughout the process, we referred back to the book to see what to do next.  I was pleased to see that they could really "read" the step-by-step photo directions.

I traced the pattern and they each cut out their pockets from felt.  They decided to make 2 pockets each, one for each side.  I mean, the book says to "make it your own," right?!

 I manned the machine, but they helped by pressing down the foot pedal.  I just give the simple commands of "go" and "stop!"

Picking out the buttons was very fun and once they were chosen, the buttons were handsewn onto the pockets.  Frankie could sew his own buttons, but needed help with knots while I held the fabric and guided the needle for his playdate.

 Threading the belt through the pockets.

 As soon as the kids were done, they headed outside for adventure and collecting!

Sewing School 2 Blog Tour Recap: Week 1

I hope you've been keeping up with the Sewing School 2 Blog Tour - it's been so much fun!  Before this all started I have to admit that I was a wee bit nervous.  I mean, the bloggers on the tour are some of the best out there, many of whom I read on a daily basis myself.  The reaction to the book has been amazing!  The projects are working, kids are sewing, moms are "getting" the book!  I love seeing how each sewer made the projects their own and really got into the spirit of the book.

In case you missed a few stops, or just want to relive this wondeful week, like I do, here's a little recap for you.  (all photos are taken from the original blog post)

**All of the blogs are also giving away a copy of the book.  Many of the giveaways are still going on, so stop by and enter to win!**

Our Busy Homeschool - Triston is a busy homeschooling mama with 8 kids (she had a new little boy just a few days ago!).  I love how she just gave her kids some fabric, a sewing machine, and the book and told them to create.  The marriage of the Art-To-Go-Go project with the ehold bag is genius! 

scrumdilly-do! - Jessica and her adorable friend Za whipped up the ehold bag using some cute owl fabric.  The post takes you through the sewing process from looking at the book to the final product, which is nice to see.  As a teacher, I am a big fan of scrumdilly-do! and always find so many crafty ideas and inspiration there.

Crafty Moms Share -  Love this pink and purple microphone!  Here, Carrie does a great job of sewing with a younger child who wants to use a machine and sew, but is not quite there yet.  She had fun modifying the projects and even made one for a gift.

Jane of All Trades -  I love the cute fabric used for the Art-to-Go-Go!  It was fun seeing her daughter get excited about sewing and even pack her sewing machine for vacation.  Roselee also introduced me to these awesome looking pens for marking fabric - can't wait to get my hands on some.

WindyLou -  WindyLou's teenaged kids had fun with the book.  They each made a project independently.  I was happy to see that the books appealed to older kids as well.

Adventures of a DIY Mom - Rachel does a great job of explaining how she sewed with kids of various ages.  From the independent 11 to the almost 6 year old, each one was successful with the book.  That Sleepy Bear is just too cute!

 Improv Diary - Nicole's son Harry made a super Snack Time bag, a perfect first project.  I love how we get to go through the project with him.  As a fellow Storey author, I was excited to hear about what Nicole thought about Sewing School 2.  While we have never met, we share an editor and passion for sewing with kids. 

Sewing School Curriculum

I've had several queries this summer about using the projects from the Sewing School books in a camp, club, workshop, scout group, or school.  When Andria and I dreamed up Sewing School, we were hoping that others might begin to use the books while sewing for kids.  I mean, we began the whole thing because we weren't satisfied with what was out there ourselves! 

I thought it might be helpful to have my answers all in one place for easy access to others who might be wondering the same things.

Can I copy the patterns in Sewing School to use with my group?
Yes!  We like to make our copies on cardboard or cardstock so that they will hold up better.  Another tip is to color code the patterns if you will be using several different ones.

Does everyone in my group need to own a copy of Sewing School to teach a project from it?
No!  You can make copies of the pattern and share the directions with kids.  We tend to just model the directions verbally when teaching a group.

How can I get everyone in my group a copy of Sewing School?You can have students purchase the book at a local retailer or online OR if you would like to purchase a group of books from Storey directly for your group the contact information is:
Tel: (800) 827-7444 ext 2122
Fax: (800) 865-3429
Email: sales@storey.com 

Can I link to your blog?
Yes, please!

Can I post projects my group made from your book on my blog/facebook page?
Yes, please!  We also love for others to post projects made and inspired from Sewing School on our facebook page.

Can I use the Sewing School name in my group name?
While you may state that the projects from your group will be using the Sewing School books as your curriculum, you will want give your group its own name.  I mean, it's yours!


Can I sell items I made from Sewing School?Yes!  If you are able to, we'd love to have you mention that the pattern came from Sewing School.

For more tips about sewing with a group in general, please reference the section about group sewing in the back of each Sewing School book as well as the blog posts about camp and machine sewing.

I hope that answers most general questions.  If you have more, please ask!  Andria and I are so happy to see so many out there sewing with kids!  Once you start, you'll see how easy and rewarding it is.

We're Going on a Blog Tour...

  ...and you're invited!

We are thrilled that so many wonderful blogs will be sewing, talking, and exploring Sewing School 2:  Lessons in Machine Sewing.  We can't wait to see what they make and their reaction to the book!

July 7 – Our Busy Homeschool

July 8 – scrumdilly-do!

July 9 – Crafty Moms Share

July 10 – Jane of All Trades

July 11 – Windy Lou

July 12 – Adventures of a DIY Mom

July 13 – Improv Diary

July 16 – He Sewed She Sewed

July 17 – Teach Beside Me

July 18 – All Things with Purpose

July 19 – The Crafty Crow

July 20 – Family Style School

July 21 – Such Designs

July 22 – Red Bird Crafts

July 23 – The Long Thread

July 25 - maya*made

I'll be popping by to say Hi, but in the meantime, we'll let these blogs do the talking for us.

Happy Sewing!

Etc. Backpack Workshop

Saturday, August 3, 1:30-3:30

Sew Memphis

$30 + materials

Register online here!

Get ready for school with this fun and easy drawstring backpack featured in Sewing School 2.  Perfect for both boys and girls, this versatile backpack is great for sports, overnight trips, and extracurricular activities. While sewing a basic pattern, you will learn how to make a casing and get to design the backpack to fit your needs and size.

This workshop is for boys and girls, ages 7 and up. Younger children may attend with an adult. Adult/child pairs need only to sign up for one spot.   You can register online or at the store.

Favorite A-Line Skirt Workshop

Saturday, July 13 from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. 

Sew Memphis

$40 + materials 

Sign Up online Here! 

We’ve made this popular two-session series into a one-day summer workshop with time to walk into nearby Cooper Young for a quick lunch break!


Adults are invited to join me in making versatile, comfortable A-line skirts that can easily be altered to suit your own tastes and needs. You will learn the basics of using a commercial pattern, installing a back zipper, and getting a good fit. You’ll also be provided with a step-by-step guide so you can make the skirt again and again! This is a good entree into making adult clothing for both beginners and those who are already comfortable on the machine. 

If you lived in Memphis and have always wanted to learn to sew your own skirts, I hope you can join me!  This is the skirt I wear almost every day!  Sign-up on-line or at the store.   We will be using New Look pattern #6843

Sewing School 2 Thank You Party

We celebrated the release of Sewing School 2 with a special Thank You party for our fabulous models and supporters at Sew Memphis.  It was so much fun to see the kids find their signed copy of the book and look for their project and photos.  Since we worked on the book over a period of about 2 years, many of them look so much older!

Yep, that's our cover girl posing with her copy!  She has a haircut, but still the same great style.

A rockin' felt band played along with a special Sewing School 2 playlist.

Looking through the book with with parents.  We are so lucky to have worked with so many wonderful families.

 Cupcakes and a special trail mix featured in Sewing School 2 were served.

Thumbs up for Sewing School 2!

Big thanks to Mary Allison and Susan at Sew Memphis for letting us take over their store for the party.  We are panning a big book release party in early August, so look out for that!