Archive for the ‘sew it’ Category
A Mini Sewing Lesson
My girls have done lots of handwork when it comes to sewing. They’ve made pillows, dolls, stuffed animals and embroideries. But up until recently we haven’t ventured onto the sewing machine.
It’s not for lack of interest. They’ve probably asked to learn every time they’ve seen me sewing for the last 3 years. That’s more times than I care to admit.
I must admit to feeling a little worried about it. I am usually good at sharing (thanks mom and dad)… but this is my sewing machine we’re talking about!
Despite feeling a bit possessive, a few months ago I bucked up and gave the girls each a lesson. We talked about how the machine works, what the knobs and buttons do, how it is threaded, and a little safety lesson. We also talked about how to guide the fabric.
Of course we learned what 1/4 inch seam is. Just as my mom taught me, I talked about watching the side of the presser foot to achieve your 1/4 inch seam and not to watch the needle.
Needless to say, learning to sew on “Mom’s sewing machine” was pretty exciting for the girls.
One of the tricks to teaching a child to sew is to find projects that are quick and easy and that give them a great sense of accomplishment when they are done.
The flag bunting for my girl’s birthday party was the perfect project for a mini sewing lesson. I used my own tutorial for a flag bunting found here. Since there were 7 flags, I made the first flag to show the girls proper technique. I showed them again how to create a 1/4 inch seam. I also showed them how to turn a corner by leaving the needle in the down position, and how to take the single stitch at the point using the handwheel. I also showed them how to clip a corner and turn their flag using a chopstick.
Then they each got to make 3 flags. They helped layout the flags and I sewed them into my homemade binding tape (which took a little more control sewing right along the edge). It was a great beginning project and they were so proud of the results.
Next project I’m thinking of having them sew cozy pants or a simple skirt…. they’ve done so well, I think they might be up for it.
Tiny Dresses
My apologies for the inconsistent nature of my posts this past last week. We’ve had a death in our family, so things have been very difficult.
Despite that, I do have a little something to share. Birthdays are coming and the sewing must go on.
I looked high and low for 1930’s dress patterns for Kit and Ruthie, my girl’s American Girl Dolls… there were few options available, and none filled the bill. The next best option was to start with a simple pattern and modify.
I chose Simplicity Pattern 4364. Given a choice, I always go with Simplicity, since their patterns seem to speak my language. They are usually straightforward and easy to follow.
The first challenge to modifying the pattern was to add a scalloped collar. I started with the collar that belonged to the jacket on the pattern. I scaled it to work with the dress with the opening in the back and then used a my shot glass measuring cup as a round template for the scallops. It’s not perfect, but it worked. Adding the collar meant changing the way the bodice was put together, and luckily it came together easily.
Next I had to add straight sleeves with a cuff. Again I modified the sleeves from the jacket pattern. Adding the cuff was as easy as adding as binding. The buttons I still need to sew on, but I think it looks sweet on the cuff.
Next steps for me will be to add the belts… the one you see in the picture is just laid across but not sewn on. I also need to add embellishments. The devil is in the details, and I am headed to JoAnn’s today to look for tiny buttons or maybe a tiny buckle (in my dreams) to add to the dresses. I kind of liked the way the little pompoms looked on the collar, so I may try to tack that on after the fact.
I also thought the little ribbon flower looked darling on the green dress, so if I went that direction, I would need to find a match for the other dresses.
Decisions, decisions. I keep telling myself, less will probably end up being more in the end.
Today I am hoping to work on the “look like me” versions to fit my girls… if I have time. The best laid plans have gone awry this week, so wish me luck in getting them finished. I do have a little hope since my pattern is an “It’s so Easy” Simplicity Pattern. I certainly hope it’s true. Again it’s all the changes to the pattern, like adding cuffs and a collar that will challenge me… and take time.
This week has been a roller coaster ride of emotion… and I thought I would leave you with a quote I’ve been thinking about.
It rings true with a crystal clarity for me this week.
