We recently picked up simple softies for the whole family from our local bookshop. I was quite taken aback by both the older two being very enthusiastic to make a project from it. What I love about this book is that all the instructions are for hand sewing and aimed at kids.
Both the kid's chose a project each. This was new ground for all of us as the kids had very little experience with sewing and my experience with making softies was about the same.
You might remember seeing Julia working on hers here. She chose to make Peeper, the little chick. Made all of felt he came together quickly. Between you and me, I think Julia is a bit of a natural with her sewing. She loves it.
Luca chose the happy/sad faced raindrop. We used some op shop wool and some felt for the details. This one was a little harder, but it was great seeing Luca put so much effort in. So much that he exhausted himself a little, so mum sewed the final little details.
I like to think it is all about more than just the toy. The enjoyment of creating something that you get to play with. Perhaps it will help them grow up appreciating the handmade. I hope so. But right now, it's just the thrill of a new toy. Both treated a little extra special, I've noticed.
Ahhh nothing warms my heart than children crafting! Long live the old ways I say!
ReplyDeleteI am not sure how old your lovely little lady is but I have 2 girls, 7 and nearly 9 and they love sewing/knitting/making stuff aswell. I have a couple of great books I can recommend. the first is http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/Sewing-School-Amie-Plumley/9781603425780 this one looks great, lots on info on HOW to do things aswell as lots of fun projects, this book is stashed away for christmas :) The other is http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/Made-by-Me-Jane-Bull/9781405337243, this one has alot of great patterns aswell, the girls have enjoyed this one alot. Both books are focused on hand sewing, but my bigger girl loves the sewing machine and the patterns can be adapted.
:) Jacq
Ohh how lovely it is to see others enjoying sewing. Your children did a great job with their chicken and rain drop. x
ReplyDeletehow fabulous! I tried some embroidery with my son and his friend, got them to draw a picture, then we traced it onto calico, then they stitched it! Thanks for this inspiration! xx
ReplyDeleteThat's lovely Tania - my daughter did some sewing too (http://flepandco.blogspot.com/2011/10/pyjama-case.html). I like the rain drop!
ReplyDeleteHow very sweet.
ReplyDeleteI love the handstitching.
I hope my sona nd I can do this one day.
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Love seeing children doing Art and crafts
ReplyDeleteBack again. I was just browsing for books to add to my Christmas wishlist and spotted one that you and your little people might like called 'Little Things for Busy Hands: 16 Crafty Projects for Kids to Make without a Sewing machine'. Just thought I'd let you know. x
ReplyDeleteTania I adore this post...nothing pleases me more than seeing children get engrossed in and enjoy crafting :) and yes I dare say their creations will be treated with tender love and care.
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Gorgeous! They both turned out so beautifully and I don't think there's anything wrong with a little 'collaboration' from mum :)
ReplyDeleteMy older boys have both made sock monkeys with my help, which involved them both machine sewing and hand sewing. They have been loved a lot!
What a great job they did Tania, they are both so sweet. My oldest loves to sew too, they are always asking me to make softies.
ReplyDeleteThey did a superb job!! Makes you super chuffed when your littlies take an interest in creating doesn't it?! They'll gradually work their way through that book I'm sure. I particularly love the owl and the pussycat in it. Hope you have a gorgeous day :) x
ReplyDeleteI love that sad raindrop, your children have wonderful job. I am going to give my 10 year old a big nudge, she was really into sewing when she was 7 but since her head is always in a book she has forgotten how much she loved it.
ReplyDeleteCompletely adorable!! We have the Softies & More Softies books, they are a tad too technical, especially when your child starts cutting out the kangaroo with very high hopes of making an even smaller Joey to go with it. Oh dear!! Your children have done beautiful work & way to turn a frown upsidedown. Love Posie
ReplyDeleteToo sweet! No wonder they are getting extra love and attention, I'm exactly the same with things I have made! :)
ReplyDeletehow lovely! the little raindrop is just precious.
ReplyDeleteWhat a brilliant book, I may need to get my hands on a copy. They did such a a fantastic job, so impressive. x
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous project for your kids. Would you believe I too have been working with Roboboy on his own hoot owl pillow. He is so excited but isn't even strong enough to cut fabric, i do love seeing them get all excited when they are creating. melx
ReplyDeleteI flipped the pages of that book this very weekend at the bookshop. It was very cute - but I'm being super frugal (to go part time next year) so will wait until it comes my way in an op shop.
ReplyDeleteI made my own 1st ever softie last weekend (blogged about it). I'm not a skilled crafter but like your children I am learning. And boy do I feel proud of my pretty owl. Your children must feel super proud too! It's a great feeling to create something yourself.
They turned out great! I love it when kids craft. They did a great job too.
ReplyDeleteYou blog is usually pretty heart warming for me. You take such lovely photos, have such lovely children, and get up to such lovely projects! But, this post was especially heart warming. It is a toy and an education. A plaything and an experience. You are such a cool family. (and the softies turned out great. I am going to recommend the book to my sister as I can totally see her doing this with her kids.)
ReplyDeletewonderful to see kids sewing, esp your boy!
ReplyDeleteOh I have to get this book. these look adorable. We just made our first softie today. His name is Max... http://treasurehuntergirl.blogspot.com/2011/10/robot-superhero.html
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