I was reminded today of when, some years back, I was in charge of the girls' activities at church. It included girls ages 8-11. I have always been one to sew and craft, so I decided that I wanted the girls to have a sewing project. I was shocked to find out that none of them even knew how to thread a needle! My daughter had been learning to sew doll clothes and such, so she already knew, but most of the other girls had never had a sewing experience in their lives. I had to patiently teach them how to thread a needle and tie the knot. I taught them to sew a straight stitch, and a buttonhole stitch. I had them make a felt glasses/pencil case out of felt. I taught them how to sew on a button. I really felt like the girls loved learning, and took great pride in their accomplishments. All of the projects turned out great.
I have some friends who decided to home school their daughter during her middle school years, and found ways for her to learn other skills as well. Not only did she learn English, science, and math, but one day a week she went to her grandmother's house to learn homemaking skills. Her grandmother planned different projects each week that included sewing, and cooking, and other homemaking skills. I wished I had the courage to do the same with my daughter! I hope that if you are looking for an activity for your children, or grandchildren, that you will take some time to teach them how to sew doll clothes, or make other projects. They could even make a simple cloth bag with a draw string. When I was a girl I used to have doll clothes making competitions with my friends. We spent all day sewing doll clothes. That is a very fond memory for me, and I think sewing by hand and embroidery have become second nature to me because of it. I wish that all girls could have that experience!
About Me
- Delirious
- Wife, mother, follower of Jesus Christ and LDS church member, former Taiwan missionary.
Back in America
My Chinese Name
4 comments:
I'm still learning to sew, but my grandma taught me to crochet. It was something I wanted her to teach me before she passed. She recently turned 90 and is proud of the items I show her when they are complete. I make a mean crochet blanket! :)
From 1967 I have been involved in the trimmings business including sewing thread and other accessories. In the Trainee days, we had to learn how to sew, embroider and stitch on sewing machines, and those skills have not left me as yet. Only recently, I gave away my sewing machine to someone who will put it to better use but I still sew whenever the occasion rises. I am also called often to solve assembly line problems in the industry.
I am pleased that you are a hand sewer and embroideress. It is an art form that is facing extinction.
Nicely said. I sew with my grandchildren. My 10-year old granddaughter's last project was sewing curtains for her little brothers' bedroom. My 12-year old grandson will even occasionally use the sewing machine (it is just a power tool, after all!).
Sewing gives me so much pleasure and it's even more enjoyable when doing it with youngsters. No one will be teaching them these things in school. It's something I can give them that will last a lifetime - both the shared memories as well as the skills.
- CJ
http://www.ex-bohica.blogspot.com
I agree with you - I think these things are overlooked too much with modern kids, it's just now seeming to make a comeback with my generation. I remember learning how to cross-stitch when I was 12 in Mia Maids, I really loved and really remember those lessons!
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