My oldest daughter loves crafts (would you have guessed?) so, when she was 7 earlier in the year, we wanted to get her a birthday present that would encourage her creativity. We have paint, card, glitter and crayons galore so I was stuck for what to get her. And then I saw an idea over at maya *made on embroidery for children and knew a sewing and embroidery basket would be the perfect present for Big. I bought a woven basket and filled it with some of the things suggested by maya to give Big all she needed to get started. (You should pop over to read maya’s post for a great guide on what to include and how to get started.)
This weekend she tried it for the first time, and here are the results. Do you like them? I threaded the needle for her as the thread was quite thick and also tied a knot to get her started – everything else is all her own work.
That ‘m’ is for Mummy – she’s a sweetie.
And this is a portrait of our cat, drawn first with a pencil and then stiched on top.
She’s so pleased with what she’s made and has plans to make lots more to give away as gifts.
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So precious!!
We haven’t tried yet as my oldest is only 3, but I’m looking forward to the day. I have fond memories of embroidering with my grandma and have many tea towels she made for me. I want to pass that on to my girls.
Your Big’s work melts my heart.
Bless. That takes me back 😉 very well done!!! x
How sweet, I have tried with Maxi, I think we will try again in the summer. I love it
I actually put together a sewing kit for Delphine for her sixth birthday, but as usual I was too early and she grew frustrated and hasn’t done much with it. I love the idea of an embroidery ring – that makes it so much easier. I will definitely check the list you linked to and see what I need to add to Delphine’s kit to make it work better for her.
Hi Amy, The embroidery ring definitely made things easier for her. Maya’s guide is great – worth checking out.
Hi Cathy,
Lovely work.
Sewing is a brilliant activity for children. I have sewn with children as young as three, as long as it’s one-to-one they have always responded amazingly. It’s a brilliant calming activity. I also have shown them how to add big beads and buttons. I have lots of images of sewing that has been done by children (from nursery upwards) on arts residencies with me, just e-mail me if you would like any.
P.S. Also blogged about my sunflowers last week x
Hi Suzanne, I love the idea of adding buttons as embellishments. And I’d love to see your pics – I’ll e-mail you.
Very sweet! This is a great idea!
I’m so glad you both enjoyed it! Her first works are amazing. Please don’t forget to tuck those way… I cherish my children’s very first attempts. They are hanging above my computer as I type!
Could you tell me what kind of needle you use? I bought a fat one for my 4 year old (this kind – Dritz Hand Needles Sewing Plastic Blunt) but it does not go through the fabric easily. I want something a little sharper, but still safe enough for my 4 year old daughter. I’m hoping to do this project below at my daughter’s birthday party. There will be a lot of little girls, so I’m hoping I can figure out a way to make it fun, & not frustrating or unsafe for 4/5 year olds!
Hi Carrie. We used a metal needle that had a blunt end – I think maybe it’s a darning needle? It’s a proper dressmakers needle, and I think better than a plastic one would be. We also used a fabric that had a slightly open weave, which made it easier for the children to get the needle through. Using the hoop definitely made it much easier – pull the fabric very tight – and you could even try a fabric like binka to make it really easy? Hope that party goes well! Cathy