I think the PERFECT beginner sewing project is a Pillowcase Dress - you learn straight stitching, even making a casing, and you get a super cute item when you're done (versus sewing a lame pillow or something). And if you mess it way up, what are you out, a $0.25 used pillowcase- worth the risk!
Did I mention my daughter got her own sewing machine for Christmas?? She's already made the customary lame pillow for her doll, so moving on, I put HER in charge of designing and sewing the Valentine's Pillowcase Dress. So it was all her - I think she did great.
She picked out her fabric and trimmings. I love that dangly ball stuff (does it have a name - pom pom trim?) and would have used more of it, but I think it was kind of hard for her to sew because after adding it to the top, she said that was enough. She stuck a big ole heart in the middle - I would have made a small heart in the bottom corner or something. You can tell it's not perfect, but that's part of the charm. 
With a young sewer, it's really important that they have a good spot to work. We have a couple of these kid desks, so I just moved one in to my craft room - it's perfect because she can reach the pedal on the ground. In other situations, I've put the pedal on a box so kids can reach it. I love her little sewing machine - it's a Janome, and it just goes forward, backward, and zig zag (which she was excited to use around the heart) - all you need. I went to a sewing group and I took her machine instead of my own - it's so light and easy to transport, and sews great, so it was the logical choice.
So now, look forward to the next seasonal pillowcase for March - actually, just kidding - what would it be, a big creepy leprechaun head?? I'll pass.
24 Fabulous Comments:
she did an awesome job! and it is fantastic that you are letting her have freedom to play and learn - that is how I learned and I love to sew to this day. How about a really cute 4 leaf clover or pot of gold? I look forward to these dresses ;)
I'm starring this so i remember to pull it out as a beginner sewing lesson when my girls are big enough to sew (they're currently 2.5 and 6 months so we have some time). I love pillowcase dresses!
And I'm with the above commenter, do a big shamrock! Even better if it can be sparkly. :)
I think it is great you let your daughter do this. LOve it! She's got a great future with sewing. I'm featuring this at somedaycrafts.blogspot.com
I guess i am not as brave as you...my daughter is not allowed to touch my machine...maybe in another year or2! Cute as always!
Your daughter did a great job! Love the hair also! What is a good age to start teaching sewing? My daughter is almost 3 and loves to be right there with me when I sew. Her current job is to hand me pins (carefully).
So stinkin cute!
That is adorable! She did a fabulous job!!! I love that you're already teaching her to sew! She'll be amazing!!
For March you could do a 4 leaf clover... ;)
Aw, she did a great job! :)
...and for March; how about a lucky shamrock or a rainbow with a pot o'gold? ;)
I think it's fabulous that your daughter is sewing. Mine is almost ready to try her hand too.
So Cute! Would love for you to add to my Thursday Treasure Party @
www.thetreasurista.blogspot.com
Thanks,
The Treasurista
Finding and Creating FUN things...
Oh, how I love this, and oh how I am laughing that I am not even skilled enough to sew as well as your daughter! She has skills!
I featured this darling post on my Friday Favorites post, so thank you for sharing your awesome project.
Love it! I am just learning to sew and love the idea of making something so cute for my girls. Thanks for sharing.
landofdouglas.blogspot.com
Fabulous job. I love the little model too.
I have a friend who just got a machine. Perhaps she can start on this as a project - since your daughter handled it so nicely! I may even be tempted to make one (or two) myself!
Visiting from Sundae Scoop.
More Than A Mom
http://morethana-mom.blogspot.com
that is too cute!! its great that your daughter likes sewing!!
Adorable! I absolutely love this idea. :)
How cute is that dress? And how cute is she making it? Thanks for linking up over at Giggles, Glitz & Glam!
Be sure to check out this excellent giveaway: http://www.tinyurl.com/froggygirl
Visiting from Funky Polkadot Giraffe - so cute! And I love that your little one helped with the sewing - that's great!
Kimberly @The Muddy Princess
www.themuddyprincess.blogspot.com
wow, I wish my mom had teach me at a young age. Now I would be able to whip things up...
Don't forget to add this project to our linking party this week, to showcase your work to our readers.
http://www.passionatelyartistic.com/2011/02/valentine-valentine-last-minute-gift.html
Have a great Valentine,
Maggie
http://passionatelyartistic.com
This is darling! Way to go on teaching her to sew!!
I love it!! She did a great job!
http://inthehammockvintage.blogspot.com
Hi! I host a weekly blog hop -- It's a Keeper Thursdays. I'd love for you to stop by and link up!
Thanks!
Christina @ It's a Keeper
http://www.everydaytastes.com/
http://twitter.com/itsakeeperblog
http://www.facebook.com/ItsAKeeper
Adorrable of course. thanks for linking up to my challenge this month.
wow! great work.
Im your follower and love your blog. I'm hosting a valentine giveaway. please take little time to visit my blog and leave your comment.
http://daffysdream.blogspot.in/2012/02/valentine-days-giveaway.html
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