Thursday, December 10, 2015

MY ADOPTED GRAND CHILDREN


I have been teaching these two how to sew for about three months now.  This day they were making pillowcases for their brothers for Christmas (forgot to take a picture)

They have made covers for their sewing notebooks, started a quilt, made hair bows and did a drawstring back pack. 

Just love these girls, they are so eager to learn.

One thing I told the mom was, "I am not one to make the child rip out if it is not perfect".  I know several people who have had terrible experiences sewing because they had to rip out and rip out until it was perfect.  I told the mom that in time they will learn to do it well but for now, they do it well enough (they do rip out some but not at every turn).  By no means are their projects a mess but sure they can use improvements but for now I just want them to feel joy in their accomplishments and have a love of sewing.

In return the mom does my hair...oh boy yes.  I think I get the better end of the deal for sure.



10 comments:

Anonymous said...

You are so right! My Nanna taught me to sew and she was a perfectionist and I had to undo and redo so much that she destroyed my confidence in my own ability and even now at almost 70 I am hypercritical of my own work as hard as I try not to be.

West Michigan Quilter said...

What a deal. Get your hair done for just having fun. These girls are so lucky to have you.

Debbie said...

You are shaping these girls for life.....I so fondly remember my neighbor who taught me to sew---and became a grandmother to me for life. Beyond the skills they learn, they also learn it is fun to sew and create. Perfection comes later :)

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

I love this post!! I learned how to sew in high school. Two years of cooking and two years of sewing. Not many girls want to learn to sew, crochet, knit or other needlework. I bet you are a super teacher and those girls love it!!
Merry Christmas!!

Gene Black said...

Yaay for passing a love of sewing to the next generations.

KaHolly said...

Some of my fondest memories are of teaching children to sew and do crafties! Your attitude is a good one! Twenty years from now, when they are being interviewed as a guest quilting blogger, they will be remembering how they got their start.....with you!

Annie said...

You are doing the right thing in teaching them first to just love to sew. My mother sewed and my Grandmother was a seamstress for a living. She was extremely a perfectionist for her own sewing, but allowed mine to be what it was. Probably because of that I am a perfectionist for my own sewing now. But I loved sewing first and details came with age and experience. Great job Barb!

Jackie's Stitches said...

I'm with you on things being just fine for now sewing wise. It's more important they learn to love what they're doing. Precision will come in time. Right now they need to finish something and have that thrill!

Unknown said...

What a great idea...love this. And I like that you don't require perfection! Good Grandma!

Unknown said...

What a great idea...love this. And I like that you don't require perfection! Good Grandma!