Sewing School: 21 Sewing Projects Kids Will Love to Make
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Kids everywhere discovering the wonder and joy found in simple needle and thread. And while sewing offers lots of benefits for children — it nurtures creativity, cognitive ability, coordination, and confidence and is a skill they’ll use their whole lives — kids know that it’s just plain fun.
Authors Amie Petronis Plumley and Andria Lisle teach a sewing camp in Tennessee that has earned praise from delighted children and parents. When families clamored for more, Plumley and Lisle launched a blog, sewingschool.blogspot.com, to rave reviews. Now, they’ve channeled the best of their children’s sewing projects into this lively, how-to sew book for ages five and up.
Featuring 21 inspired projects for young sewers, Sewing School allows kids to create fabric masterpieces with minimal supervision. All projects have been kid-tested, most can be made using simple hand stitches, and all can be embellished with personal touches. To further inspire young crafters, the book is full of photos and quotes from real boys and girls who have participated in the authors’ sewing camp.
Projects include items that children can hug (pillows, doll, blanket), hold (wallet, tote, drawstring pouch), give as gifts (coasters, glasses case, pot holder), and wear (sleep mask, hat, cuffs). Each project features step-by-step instructions written at a second-grade reading level, a close-up photo of every step, and a photo of the finished project. The book includes full-sized cutout patterns and instructions for how grown-ups can help.
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✔ From School Library Journal
Gr 2-8-These projects were tested by kids between the ages of 5 and 13, and there is no denying their appeal or their ability to instruct and inspire. After learning the basics (threading a needle, knots, simple stitches), beginners can easily dive into the initial projects-a needle holder and pincushion. A ratings system guides intermediate sewers to items that require more skill, like doll clothing and skirts, with plenty of tasks in between that build confidence and experience. Almost everything is hand sewn, with any machine use acknowledged in the "Note for Grown-Ups" sections that identify the steps requiring adult help. The authors have a fun and encouraging writing style, offering tips to personalize projects and breezily stressing that results do not have to be perfect. Also helpful are the practical techniques like repairing rips and holes or replacing buttons. Bright photos add to the enjoyment and provide guidance for the step-by-step instructions. A "Sewing School Dictionary" and "Resource Guide" are included. However, librarians may find that the ebook binding and the attached envelope of patterns will make it difficult to keep everything complete and intact. These features make the book better suited as an excellent gift idea for creative kids or for adults conducting youth-centered group activities.-Joanna K. Fabicon, Los Angeles Public Library (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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✔ From Booklist
Written by a kindergarten teacher and a journalist who have taught many children to sew, this large-format book offers appealing projects illustrated with color photos of step-by-step directions as well as kids engaged in sewing and showing off work. The opening 12 lessons begin at the very beginning with topics such as threading a needle, knotting the thread, and making a basic running stitch. After covering basic knowledge and skills, the presentation moves on to instructions for fun, easy projects such as making a drawstring tote bag or a “Super Hero Cuff.” Sections on mending clothes and repairing stuffed animals round out the presentation. The book includes a practical introduction for adults, a glossary, a list of recommended blogs, and sources of tools, supplies, and fabrics. Best of all, this practical, attractive sewing book features finished projects that look like they were actually made by children. Grades 3-6. --Carolyn Phelan
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