Home Arts, The Lost Art — by Guest Mom Cathe Holden
[ Note from Design Mom: Cathe was so great to let me interrupt her Guest Mom week. And now she's back with more great posts. Yay! ]
Of course I could teach my own daughters to sew, but that would require two things: a working machine and a knowledge of sewing greater than an 8th grade level. And, unfortunately, schools today rarely offer sewing classes anymore. So I have to tell you how excited I was recently to find a sewing class right in my own little town!
Etsy seller, Nicole Vasbinder of StitchCraft, offers various sewing classes including a few specifically for young ones just beginning. My 11 year old daughter, Sarah, had the most wonderful time in her 3-day class learning to thread a machine, wind the bobbin, adjust tension, change needles, and more. She learned to sew straight lines and corners and made a darling pin cushion just in time for her grandma’s birthday.
The final project was a choice between pajama pants and an A-line skirt. Nicole, shown here with Sarah in her own A-line, helped my daughter make the sweetest reversible skirt using fabric that included an Amy Butler print. Nicole’s Etsy shop also offers great patterns, delicious fabrics (new and vintage), and sewing notions. It was so great to support a local business and a local Etsian, and most of all, know that my daughter has gained the skill and craft of a lifetime, and I picked up a few great tips of my own!
Of course I could teach my own daughters to sew, but that would require two things: a working machine and a knowledge of sewing greater than an 8th grade level. And, unfortunately, schools today rarely offer sewing classes anymore. So I have to tell you how excited I was recently to find a sewing class right in my own little town!
Etsy seller, Nicole Vasbinder of StitchCraft, offers various sewing classes including a few specifically for young ones just beginning. My 11 year old daughter, Sarah, had the most wonderful time in her 3-day class learning to thread a machine, wind the bobbin, adjust tension, change needles, and more. She learned to sew straight lines and corners and made a darling pin cushion just in time for her grandma’s birthday.
The final project was a choice between pajama pants and an A-line skirt. Nicole, shown here with Sarah in her own A-line, helped my daughter make the sweetest reversible skirt using fabric that included an Amy Butler print. Nicole’s Etsy shop also offers great patterns, delicious fabrics (new and vintage), and sewing notions. It was so great to support a local business and a local Etsian, and most of all, know that my daughter has gained the skill and craft of a lifetime, and I picked up a few great tips of my own!
posted by Gabrielle of Design Mom at Tuesday, September 02, 2008
16 Comments:
You're daughter is darling, so is her skirt and I wish those shelves were in my house.
This is so great! I've been looking online for sewing classes in my area but can't seem to find any. If anyone knows of anything in the DC Metro area...lemme know. :)
I've just been thinking about teaching my 7 year old daughter to sew, but I'm not an expert by any means. I can hack something together and it looks great (if you don't look too closely), but I don't know if I can teach her properly so I've been putting it off. You've just inspired me to find a local class for her. Maybe they'll let me sit in!
Thanks for the link for te fabric, my Mom is an amazing semstress but I...well I am going to start to try :)
it's look great. thinks for share
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My granddaughter does sewing lessons in the Laguna Niguel, CA area.
She does sewing camps during the summer...really fun. I think they have done quilts and skirts and other fun things. Sewing skills are so great - even just to be able to hem your own jeans.
I'm also a huge fan of those shelves, any ideas where she got them? I can't wait till I can teach my daughter to sew!
Hi all!
Thanks so much for the nice comments and a big thank you to Cathe and Sarah!
A couple of folks had asked about the shelves at StitchCraft. I got them at Ikea and they were super cheap and very light weight.
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70114753
xo
Nicole
That sounds like so much fun! Sewing class is the BEST!
my mom made sure my sisters and i each took sewing lessons. i loved learning that skill and love that i can now teach my daughter to sew. it's a great skill to have!
This is so great! And I LOVE the skirt. I made a bag out of the Lotus blue and everytime I see it somewhere I love it even more! Those shelves are cool - but I want the fabric on them!!!
Wow! What a steal, I never would have thought to use those shelves the way you did. Fantastic job finding a way to organize and look great at the same time!
I want some right now!
Stacy
I have the priveledge of teaching children to sew. This summer 800 hours of sewing took place during the sewing camp. It is a wonderful way to spend my summer.
If you are looking for a Children's Sewing instructor in your area visit/contact www.kidscansew.com for information on sewing instructors that teach children in the USA.
If you want to teach your own child to sew I recommend beginning with a book/pattern published by Kids Can Sew. This book is available to purchase on my website (along with pictures of some of my sewing students and their projects).
Mary Anne
www.sewingandbeyond.com
I've lurked for years (well at least 18 months) but have been too shy to comment. However, now seems the perfect occasion!
I think I want your daughter's skirt for myself! She's got an eye for great fabric. I learned to sew from my Aunt Kath, it's a good thing my mom didn't teach me to sew or we might not be friends ;) Two brains that are too similar and too stubborn can spell disaster - or sewn together fingers.
If there were seamstresses teaching in my area I'd sign my daughter up in a heartbeat even though she's only 19 months...
Keep up the awesome blog!
Do you have a cute pj pant pattern? I'm looking for one for Christmas pj pants for my kiddos.
I love this skirt. I've got bold apple print material that would be great for this pattern. I've got a couple little twirly girls who would love another skirt:)
so jealous, i am trying to find a sewing class myself. looks like fun!
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