Boyschooling

I am super excited to be a guest blogger over at Boyschooling.  It's a great blog filled with resources and ideas for anyone who has boys in their life.  My post is really just a reprint of my post about Sewing With Boys, but it's nice to get it out there to a new audience.  Thanks, Kat for hosting me!

Friendship Quilt

"So, who did you draw?"

"Why is my face green?  Look at me, is my face really green?"

"This quilt is so soft."

The Friendship Quilt has been the source of much discussion this week.

So, here's  how we made ours -
We picked names and then drew each other using my favorite method to draw on fabric.  I precut muslin squares the size of a sheet of paper and then cut the paper about an inch smaller on each side to take in account seam allowance.

The kids helped me to machine sew the squares together and then I put the backing and binding on at home.  The whole thing is just tie quilted.

The quilt now lives in our Book Nook and I'm told it's very cozy.

Seeds Make Flowers

 Last week, as part of our Science lesson, we read about how a seed becomes a flower and the various, basic parts of a flower.  These simple, collage flowers helped to illustrate the concept perfectly. 

Construction paper was used to make the stem, leaves, and flower.  Then, brown yarn became the roots and real flower seeds were glued on for the seeds.  Do you remember when we found seeds in flowers?  We'll do more with those seeds soon.

 The kids used their Science magazines to label the flowers.

Here is a shot of a table working.  We actually taught this lesson to 3 groups in a row, so we pre-cut strips of green and had chunks of colors for the kids to shape into flowers.  We find that this pre-cutting actually saves paper.  The trays also held yarn that they happily formed into roots.  When they had everything else in place, we came around and gave them a pinch of seeds to sprinkle on the middle of the flower. 

Little Gnomes

 Some favorite gnomes from Sewing Club.  Love the long, long felt beard!

 Mr. & Mrs. Dracula gnome.

 Cowboy gnomes.

Sweet gnomes.

A Gnome of Your Own

 For a fun spring activity, we made little Gnomes.  I got this idea from Kleas (scroll down the post to see) who was inspired by Gingercake.  I put together a tutorial for Sewing Club and thought you might like it too.  The directions are written for kids and Phoebe helped with the tutorial.

Materials Needed:  paper plate, cotton fabric, felt, stuffing, beans, wooden bead for head, sewing kit

 1:  Trace paper plate onto cotton fabric with chalk.  Cut out fabric.

 2.  Sew a running stitch around the edge of the circle.  Do not knot the thread at the end of sewing.

 3.  Take off the needle.  Pull the thread so the fabric gathers.

 4.  Add 2 Tablespoons of beans to the bottom of the gnome body.

 5.  Stuff the body.

 6.  Pull the thread tight and make a knot.

 7.  Make a gnome hat.  Trace a triangle (4 inches x 3 inches) onto felt.  Cut out hat shape.

 8.  Fold the hat in half and sew up the side.

9.  Draw a face on the wood bead with markers.

 10.  Time to hot glue!  This can be a little tricky.  Put glue into the hole of the bead and push the gathered top of the gnome body in.  If it doesn't look perfect you can always add a scarf!

 11.  Glue on the hat. Put the hot glue around the edge of the felt hat and then place the hat on the head.

Look - a gnome of your own!

Maybe your gnome needs a little scarf or a home or a toadstool?

The ones from Sewing Club were so cute - I'll post their gnomes next.

Sewing School Camp!

 It's time to sign up for Sewing School Camp!  Andria and I will be teaching camp for kids going into 1st grade - 4th grade, June 27-July 1, 9am-12pm (we are week 4 on the registration).  The camp is open to all students who are interested in sewing.  We have a big range of activities for all skill levels and interests.

I will also be teaching a smaller Advanced Sewing School for kids going into 3rd grade - 8th grade, June 27-July 1, 1pm-5pm.  This camp will focus more on machine sewing and step-up projects.

If you live in the Memphis area, we hope you can join us!  Registration information is here. 

Photos by Justin Fox Burks.

Phoebe and her Sewing Machine

 Phoebe got a sewing machine for her 6th birthday.  Let's see what she's been making...

 An Eye-See-You Case for her dad's birthday.  (he's a big Eagle's fan.)

 A bag for carrying around her BFF Lamby. 

Strike a pose!  A dress made from the top of an old ballet outfit.  She traced the skirt part from a dress she already has.  I helped her gather it to fit. 

 Can't wait to see what she makes next with her chubby little fingers and awesome fabric stash.  Sew, Phoebe, sew!

A Club of My Own

I finally have my very own adult sewing club!  We are working on a scrappy quilt - using the Block of the Month approach.  I am one month closer to my first patchwork quilt!  It is so nice to chat and craft with friends.  The response to the club was overwhelming.  We thought maybe 4 or 5 people would join, but there are about 15 members!  I love to sew with kids, but this is something just for me, you know?

Our fearless leader is Darla Ives, a wonderful quilter and friend.  I have admired her work for years and have bugged her to start a sewing group.  She patiently goes through the steps to making the square we are working on each month.  She also showed us the basics - how to properly square up fabric, cut strips, chain pieces on the machine, and pin the squares together. All techniques I new about vaguely, but weren't doing properly.  Darla has some good basic quilting information on her Facebook page if you're interested.

Our first blocks are the 9-patch.  Here are mine anxiously awaiting sewing!  We have show and tell each meeting, so I need to get to work.  Can't wait to see what we are making next month.

The Future's So Bright...

It's Spring Break and Sewing Club is ready for some sunshine.  What better way to prepare than to make a simple Eye-See-You Case from Sewing School?  For a more individualized version, we forwent the little glasses applique shown in the book for stick on felt shapes and fabric marker embellishments.  I loved the button closures and ribbon handles that were added by some.  Everyone was successful and made their cases within the hour.  Bonus, you got a cool pair of shades to fill up your case when you finished. 

Happy Spring Break!  Stay cool and we'll see you later this week.

Weaving a Rainbow

This week we wove up a rainbow on our giant loom. I don't think I've shown all the other projects we've done so far, but it really is a wonderful addition to our classroom.

The warp thread is yarn pulled tight.   Then, we used fabric scraps to weave - this is the weft.  I tore strips about 2 inches wide in a variety of solids and small prints.  The loom also comes with a wide shuttle that looks like a giant wooden needle.  It's perfect for small hands to guide through.

For this project, I let the kids weave one at a time, but I've had up to 4 kids weaving at once.   There are lots of good weaving books out there, but I like The Goat in the Rug the best.

Sewing Club - Logistics

A reader asked about the logistics of my sewing club.  I can only tell you about my personal experience and how we handle the business side at my school, but maybe it will give you a little to go on if you are interested in starting up your own club or camp.  This is for you Kathleen!

Sewing Club is an enrichment class at my school, meaning that it is optional for parents to sign-up and happens for an hour after school.  The club runs once a week for 10 weeks for students from kindergarten to fourth grade.  The three kindergarten teachers run the club with occasional help from middle school students.  We don't have an enrollment cut-off for the club and usually have between 25 - 40 club members each semester.

Enrollment fees for the club are paid for through the school.  Currently, they are $90 plus a $15 materials fee.  We receive a portion of the enrollment and all of the materials fee.  So, sewing club buys and uses all of its own supplies.

Now, for Sewing Camp, I once again go through my school.  Enrollment for camp is $100 a week from 8am-12pm.  There isn't a separate materials fee.  We receive a portion of the camp fees and use it to also buy all of the supplies.  For camp, it's usually just Andria and me with about 35-40 kids ranging from kids going into 1st grade to 5th grade.  Since the camp lasts all morning, we tend to work on longer projects and take several breaks throughout the day.

If I wasn't part of a school, I think I would organize it similarly.  The ages, fees, and time frame are all very doable and similar to other enrichment clubs and camps in our area.  So, first look to see what the average art class or camp is doing and use that as a blueprint.  Our club is quite big, but I am also used to working with larger groups of children at a time.  I admit that we could do a lot more with a smaller group, but it's fun to sew with a big, excited, multi-aged group.  The only other sewing club that I have had contact with is Katie Jean who set up a sewing school in her home.  If you have any advice or experience, please chime in!

In our Sewing School book, we discuss in detail about organizing the projects, materials, etc. that go into a sewing club.  I have also try to give some pointers in that direction in my regular posts.  Hope this is helpful. I'd love to hear about what you're doing!

Phoebe's Spring Quilt

 It's getting a little warmer in these parts, which means time for outdoor crafting!  I caught Phoebe working on a mini quilt in the sunshine.

 I explained to her that she is appliqueing on her quilt and she said the word about a million times.

 Detail of a favorite square.

I hope she finishes it because it's looking very cute.  She has become like me and has a ton of UFO's sitting around.  The curse of a busy crafter!

Sewing With Boys

Inspired by Made's Celebrate the Boy, I thought I would share my thoughts on sewing with boys.  I am mindful of boys sewing.  What do they want to sew?  What do they need to sew?  Why will they want to sew?

I have come to a few conclusions.  First, from my own experience, kindergarten is the perfect age to introduce boys to sewing.  They get super excited about it and really, really see the possibilities.  They like to make stuff, ya know?  It's not easy, though, it's a challenge.  They like that part.  Oh yeah, there's sharp needles involved too. 

It never ceases to amaze me how a kid that could be bouncing off the walls one minute, will settle into a project and give it 100%.  I have often given my most challenging students handwork to do throughout the day.  Not only does it focus them, they feel a real sense of accomplishment. 

I have to note that the cutie pictured above is not a hyperactive child, but I loved the expressions I caught of him - intense concentration to pure satisfaction.  He worked hard for that pillow!

Next up is materials.  You have to have boy friendly fabric in your stash.  Anytime I put out some camouflage, the boys flock to it.  Even those that don't seem particularly into camo will get excited.  I also try to find some animal and sports prints.  It's hard to find boy fabric that is not too babyish.  Boys also seems to like notions like eyeballs, buttons, and pin backs and magnets.  I had a few loose socks on the sewing cart last week, and they quickly got sewn into crazy aliens and monsters.  From the looks above, they are also cuddly.

Lastly, finding the perfect project is essential.  We have found that projects for boys need to be useful - they loved the wristies and water bottle holders.  Masks and capes are also a big hit.  Boys can be sweet too, though, like when they make something for their mom or sister and they choose pink or flower fabric. They know what it feels like to give something handmade.

So, what's the age cut off with boy sewers?  At my school, boys don't stay in Sewing Club past 2nd grade.  After that, I guess it's just not cool and there are more things to choose from.  I keep up with them, though, and they remain sewers at home.  Plus, it's a life long skill.  They are going to blow some minds when their future wives need a button sewn on and they jump to the task!