A few years ago; I asked my Mother In Law to help teach my daughter how to sew. I can do some sewing; but she has more experience in this area then I do. In fact, when I am in the middle of a project and need help; I call her. (Granted, that hasn't happened for several years....) Anyway, we started when Clara was 6, and the two of them have completed sewing projects nearly every time Grandma visits since we started. Clara is now 8.5 years old. Each visit, Clara gets a little more independent. This time, she completed nearly everything by herself; the exceptions being the waist and sleeve attachment. She did a fantastic job! She wanted a dress like Martha Washington might have worn; and picked out the pattern, fabric and ribbon herself.
That dress turned out fantastic! She should be very proud of herself. It reminds me of Felicity's dress (the American Girl).
I bought a book to start beginner-sewing with my 7 year old. Unfortunately, I never taught my 13 year old, so maybe she'll do some beginner projects with us too.
Thanks for sharing the pictures~ you've inspired me to get started.
Heidi
Wow, she did a great job. What a blessing to have someone else help with the teaching. It's such a great skill to have. Thanks for adding me to the MOMYS list. I can't wait to go through them little by little.
Blessings
Shereen
www.w8ng4him.blogspot.com
It has been my privilege and joy to teach Clara how to sew. With each
sewing lesson, she has mastered another technique and improved on those we
worked on last time. Last spring she sent me an email asking if we could
make a “Martha Washington” dress. Then when I arrived she had a drawing
made to show me what she wanted the dress to look like. It was fun taking
her shopping to find a pattern, fabric, and all the trimmings (a special
trip with Grandma & Grandpa). It was such a delight to watch Clara’s
excitement and sense of accomplishment as the dress took shape. She could
hardly wait to wear it. I have taught a number of kids to sew over the
years. At 8 ½ she outshines the majority of my junior high & senior high
students!!! I might be a little prejudice! Even so, Clara is a wonderful
student and is surpassing others older than her. I am very proud of Clara’s
work.
The bottom line is; We try not to insist on parent-led learning or gravitate toward child-led learning. We try instead to focus on God-led learning and ask for His input and perspective on every aspect of our home school. That way, when others fuss about what Dan and I are doing and make me second guess our decisions -- I can go back to our decision process and find God's fingerprints, reminding me that this is His way.
