Fabric Collage Journals

 Last weekend I had fun stitching up Fabric Collage Journals with some friends at Carpenter Art Garden, an amazing non-profit here in Memphis.

 We brought in bright, fun fabric scrapes and the kids got to work designing their journals.  They used a bit of glue stick to keep the fabric in place until sewn down.

At the sewing machines, they followed the lines of the collage, often getting a little crazy with the stitches.  Most of them choose the zig-zag!

 It was a little tricky figuring out how to sew the fabric down and which direction to go.  The smaller journals were much easier to sew, especially in my small Janomes.

 The room was filled with patient adults waiting to assist and guide since most of the kids were first-time sewers.

Peek at the back of their journal cover!

Super cute, don't you think!?

The kids will be selling their journals at local crafts fairs this coming holiday season.  They will keep what they earn from the sales after donating one journal for the Art Garden to sell as a fundraiser.

Make a Sate Pillow!

 My class was studying the 50 states and it was Mother's Day, so what better idea than to make Tennessee state pillows for Mom?  This project came together really fast and everyone loved it, especially the moms!

 To help with the process, I prepped the pillow fabric.  I used basically the same method for making the Heart in Hand quilt, so the kids knew just want to do.

First, I cut the pillow fabric into 8x8 squares.  I made the state shape by enlarging a puzzle piece on the copier and then traced it onto Heat-n-Bond Lite then ironed the state shape onto the fabric.

The kids embroidered around the state using craft thread. Then, they added a tiny heart backed with Heat-n-Bond Ultra.  This got ironed on right where Memphis is on the map!  Since we used the Ultra Heat-n-Bond, there is no need to sew.

One of my students lives across the bridge in Arkansas, so she made a special one for her mom.

Next came machine sewing!  I find that second grade is a good time to start machine sewing with kids.  They have the "smarts" and coordination to machine sew without a lot of support.  In my classroom, I had 2 machines set up, and I sat in the middle to guide and talk them through it.  These pillows could easily be hand-sewn as well.  To finish them, they stuffed them up and hand-sewed them closed using a whipstitch.

Basket of state pillows waiting to be wrapped.

We wrapped them with colorful sheets of tissue paper and wrote sweet letters to Mom.  I know that they loved them!  I even made a Texas state pillow for my own mom this year!

Sewing Machine for Kids Buyer's Guide

If a sewing machine is on your child's wish list, I have a few tips on purchasing a machine that will get them started.

Whatever you do, please, please don't purchase a "toy" machine.  That will lead to frustration and sadness.  I recently saw this one that is "threadless."  It reminds me of a story Andria tells about having a sewing machine that used glue instead of thread when she was little.  Fun, but ultimately a disappointment.

The main feature that I look for when purchasing machines for kids is a drop-in bobbin.  I have found that this makes sewing soooooo much easier for kids. 

You know I love the Janome Sew Mini (don't pay more than $50, it often goes on sale at Hancocks!), bur I realize that it's not the ideal machine for everyone.  It's a good starter machine, but if your child is older or you would like to sew on it as well, purchase a full-sized machine. 

Click here for my full post on purchasing a sewing machine for kids.

Happy gift giving!

Wish List: Sewing Machines for Kids

If Sewing Machine 2:  Lessons in Machine Sewing is on your child's holiday list, then you might need to get a sewing machine too.  Here is our tried and true advice on purchasing a machine for a young sewer.

* Buy a real sewing machine!  Don't be seduced by a "kid's sewing machine" that is essentially a toy.  These machines aren't worth the $19.99 they cost and will just cause frustration.  Trust me, I've experienced many a melt down at camp with these machines.  Those little "mending" machines don't work either.

* Look for a machine with a drop in bobbin. These machines are MUCH easier for a kid to operate.

* Keep it simple.  Don't worry about all the bells and whistles for a first machine.  Just get your basic model that is simple to operate.

 What age for a sewing machine?  I got my daughter a machine for her sixth birthday.  Most machines say ages 7 and up.  You know your child.  If they understand the concept of sewing and have been hand sewing for awhile and are responsible, then a machine will help to expand their sewing skills and creativity.

If you purchase a machine for a young sewer, don't forget to add some cute fabric and a few spools of thread to get started!

So, what do we recommend here at Sewing School?  If you've been with us for awhile, you'll know my love of the Janome Sew Mini when sewing with kids.  From my experience, it's the best starter machine for kids.

Pros:
*A real machine, but it sews slowly so it's safer for little hands.  Simple and easy - just what a new sewer needs!
*Great size, lightweight.  Easy to store and doesn't take up too much room.
*Nice price.  I always buy mine when they go on sale at Hancock's.
*Drop in bobbin and nice selection of stitches.
*Sews up little projects with ease.

Cons:
* Doesn't last forever, which is fine if you only want it for a starter machine.
*No zipper foot.
*It's hard to sew through multiple layers of fabric or fleece.
*It's a starter machine.  This wouldn't be the machine I would recommend for an adult or a kid over the age of 10.  Purchase a full-sized machine instead (see the tips for buying a machine at the top of this post.)

I hope this helps!  I've had so much fun machine sewing with kids.  A machine really opens up a world of possibilities for kids and sewing!

*This post is an edited version of one I did last year.  I was going to write a new one, but why when the info is still the same?!

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!

February Workshops

Yea!  I'm back at Sew Memphis teaching 2 workshops in February.  One for adults and one for kids. The A-line skirt workshop was such a hit this fall, I had to do it again!  The kid sewing machine workshop comes out of our new book Sewing School 2:  Lessons in Machine Sewing due out this spring. 

If you live in Memphis, I hope you can join me - it's going to be fun! 

Favorite A-Line Skirt Workshop
Saturday, February 9 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. and Wednesday, February 13 from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day! Adults will learn how to make a versatile, comfortable A-line skirt. You will learn how to make a simple skirt that can easily be altered to suit your own tastes and needs. 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.

Me and My Sewing Machine
Saturday, February 23 from 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Ages 7 and up, please.

Kids everywhere are using sewing machines! Let Sewing School authors Amie Plumley and Andria Lisle teach your child the basics: how a sewing machine works, sewing safety, threading a machine, and making bobbins. Students will learn all of the above while creating cute pincushions to use in future projects!

Kids Sewing Gift Guide: Sewing Machine

Tis the season for giving, and I suspect that many kids will have a sewing machine on their wish lists.  I thought I'd give a few tips on purchasing a sewing machine for the crafty kid in your life.

* Buy a real sewing machine!  Don't be seduced by a "kid's sewing machine" that is essentially a toy.  These machines aren't worth the $19.99 they cost and will just cause frustration.  Trust me, I've experienced many a melt down at camp with these machines.  Those little "mending" machines don't work either.

* Look for a machine with a drop in bobbin. These machines are MUCH easier for a kid to operate.

* Keep it simple.  Don't worry about all the bells and whistles for a first machine.  Just get your basic model that is simple to operate.

 What age for a sewing machine?  I got my daughter a machine for her sixth birthday.  Most machines say ages 7 and up.  You know your child.  If they understand the concept of sewing and have been hand sewing for awhile and are responsible, then a machine will help to expand their sewing skills and creativity.

If you purchase a machine for a young sewer, don't forget to add some cute fabric and a few spools of thread to get started!

So, what do we recommend here at Sewing School?  If you've been with us for awhile, you'll know my love of the Janome Sew Mini when sewing with kids.  From my experience, it's the best starter machine for kids.

Pros:
*A real machine, but it sews slowly so it's safer for little hands.  Simple and easy - just what a new sewer needs!
*Great size, lightweight.  Easy to store and doesn't take up too much room.
*Nice price.  I always buy mine when they go on sale at Hancock's.
*Drop in bobbin and nice selection of stitches.
*Sews up little projects with ease.

Cons:
* Doesn't last forever, which is fine if you only want it for a starter machine.
*No zipper foot.
*It's hard to sew through multiple layers of fabric or fleece.
*It's a starter machine.  This wouldn't be the machine I would recommend for an adult.

I hope this helps!  I've had so much fun machine sewing with kids while working on Sewing School 2.  A machine really opens up a world of possibilities for kids and sewing!

My Very Own Skirt Workshop

Andria and I had a blast making the My Very Own Skirt from Sewing School with 11 girls at Sew Memphis.  While we followed the same pattern, each skirt is as unique as the kid who made it.

We spent a bit of time talking about machine sewing basics.  I love how Andria describes using the zig-zag stitch to "eating Cheetos for breakfast."

The girls paired up to help each other trace patterns.  Some created a "human pin" by sitting on the pattern while a friend traced around it onto fabric!

Careful concentration at the machine.  For time and ease, we decided to skip the traditonal hem and go for a fray hem.  To do this, sew a zig-zag stitch around the bottom of the skirt and the fabric will fray up to the sewn line.  It looks better once washed. 

Our next sewing workshop for kids is slated for Oct. 20 - Disguise Yourself at Sew Memphis.  Kids ages 5 and up can make one of a kind disguises just in time for Halloween.

Dear Little Sewing Machine

Dear Little Sewing Machine,

I am not a fan of yours.  Every year, at least one eager, bright eyed child brings you to camp with dreams of making elaborate clothing and accessories.  They often leave with frustration and bitterness over the difficulty of sewing and threading you.  You come unthreaded constantly (once we finally figure out how to get you threaded!), can barely sew though two layers of fabric, and don't act like the other bigger, more powerful machines surrounding you.  For something so small, how did you get to be so loud?  Are you afraid of going unnoticed?  Sewing machines are not toys and toys should not be sewing machines.

Sincerely,
Sewing School Teacher

Phoebe's New Dress

 Phoebe decided to sew herself a new dress.

After watching me do this for years, she knew how to make the pattern - just trace a dress you like.  At first, she brought in a super cute shirt-waisted dress which I quickly pointed out was a wee bit complicated and needed a million pieces which is why I always make her the same style of dress.  She understood and brought back a dress I had made for her last year.

She found a nice polka-dotted vintage sheet and got to work.  For the seam allowance, the width of a ruler was added to the sides and shoulder seams.  Next, she cut out her fabric and sewed it all up.  I helped to iron the hem.  After sewing the hem and declared that no, she didn't need to finish the neckline and arm holes.  It was just fine the way it was.

 It could use a little art work, though.  Using permanent markers, she wrote her name and drew a lovely picture.  Phoebe wore it for dinner where she proceeded to get spaghetti sauce on it.  Ah, to be 6!

Sewing Machine Story

Lots of machine sewing went on at camp.  Most kids brought their own machines.  Each machine came with its own story.

This Viking belonged to Mary and Patrick's Great Aunt Sweetie.  It ran beautifully, but was a mystery on how to thread the thing - we finally figured it out.  Aunt Sweetie was an avid quilter and each kid has a quilt she made.

Stella loves her little machine and insists that it can do anything that a big one can.  Surprisingly, it pretty much can. 

"This is the same machine you have in your book!" exclaimed Frances.  It was a gift from Santa - good ol' Santa!

Lauren won the award for smallest machine.  It does a good job, but doesn't backstitch which is kinda a pain.

Neeley's mom drug her machine out of the closet so that she could bring it to camp.  Hopefully, it'll get more use now!

What's your machine story?

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!