March is officially “Craft Month” (though that’s pretty much every month for me!) and I was honored to participate in my own little way by creating a project from Deborah Fisher’s book Sew Fun.
The goal of this book is to give you projects and ideas for sewing with your children. I was intrigued by the topic and thought I’d give it a whirl with my little gal. I like that the book has tips for what the kids can do in the project that seem pretty reasonably age appropriate. I will say that I think the book is geared towards middle school to teen kids for actual sewing. I do a lot of crafts with my 4 year old but sewing with her is not something I’ve tackled. In fact, mama’s sewing room is pretty much off limits because of tools and such. So this was a bit of a gamble with us. 😉 I chose a project from the “wearable” section of the book because my girl is SUCH a dress up girly girl.
Insect Capes….hmmm…four year old princess loving girl…how’s that going to work? Well, I started with some purple felt in a vain attempt to eliminate some pink from our lives. (start laughing…it was a useless endeavor)
I used one of the pattern pieces and traced it on freezer paper. Since my 4 year old is a bit smaller than the model shown I knew I would need to reduce the size of the pattern. I simply folded the pattern to eliminate some of the length but not lose the basic shape of the wing. I had to adjust the lines of the pattern to meet in their new length but that is easy peasy! And before you knew it I had two wings!
Cute! My 5yo has tried to help me but is intimidated by the machine. I think we're going to try hand stitching next.
Wow, what a great giveaway! I have 6 grandchildren who like to take turns spending the weekend with their "Nana". I always try to find something special to do with each one when it's their turn to stay. The book would be perfect inspiration 🙂 Thanks for a chance.
I would be the best Nana if I could make these. Would love the book.
I love the last photo! Your wings are fabulous. The lions on the cover of the book are pretty cute too!
A fantastic beginning for Caitlyn. I know you'll celebrate when she chooses lime green! I could use this book with the grand kids! : )
My grand kids would love this. I have to get that book. Please pick me! I love the fairy wings.
Your daughter looks thrilled with her wings. That's the best part of any project.
Caitlyn looks so happy with her wings!!! Fun book I'd love to share with my sewing DIL and two little girls!!!
these are so adorable. you are so right exposing the little ones when they are ready is so exciting and wonderful. my son loved count cross stitch and made some of his own patterns. sewing was ok! but now he sews and sells civil war re-enacting clothes for men. and he is darn good at this hobby. my daughter like to crochet and sew. when she finds time she likes to sit at her sewing machine and work on quilts. so we never know where our patience and guidance will lead them. it is all so much fun as a mother to watch their skills and interests grow and change. have fun with your daughter. and let her guide you as much as you guide her.
This looks like a great book! Thank you!
My three year old is always wanting to "help" me sew-makes to all so much harder, but I try to let her some b/c she loves it so much! My nephews are actually really interested in sewing (any type of craft or art project really)and are more age appropriate for it as well (8 & 10) so would love to win to try out some projects with them! Thanks for a chance!
What fun ideas for kids! I've got a few that would love to make these.
I love those finished wings, great project!! This book looks pretty fun 🙂
This looks like a fun book. I have some grandchildren that would love wings!
What a fun book! Thanks for the giveaway! Amy @ gasudimack(at)sbcglobal(dot)net
What a fun book! Thanks for the giveaway! Amy @ gasudimack(at)sbcglobal(dot)net
Looks like a great book! Just what I need to sew for my grandchild! Thanks for having a terrific giveaway!
They are sew beautiful! I'll bet she wad crazy proud of them! What a cute book! Thanks for the chance!
This looks like such a fun book. My 8 year old has been begging me to teach her how to sew and I think this would be a great book to introduce sewing to her with.
suziebee20 at yahoo dot com is my email.
This doe look like a fun book! The lions on the cover are totally cute! I love how you worked together on your insect cape!
The wings are so cute. I really need a book like this so I can learn to sew! Truthfully, I do, and I have a two year old granddaughter I might find some projects to do for.
Thanks for the chance to win a copy of the book. I love the little lions on the cover!
Sewing should definitely be all about fun and personalization. Great post!
What a great review and adorable book. Thank you for sharing your thoughts & of course those inspiring pics! Thinking I might have to break out the glue gun & un-hide the fabric stash rather than spring clean~
My daughter has been requesting to learn how to sew and wants her own "fancy (aka pink)" sewing machine. This book looks to have some ideas she might be interested in and we could work on together. Thank you for the chance to win it. Theballards2001yahoocom
What a great book! Would love to win and do some sewing for my grandkids. Thanks so much.
Looks to be a wonderful book. Thank you for sharing the beautiful pictures, would love to make one for my granddaughter. Thank you for the chance to win a copy of the book.
akk_nana@yahoo.com
Awesome wings, they are so cute on her. Purple is one of my favorite colors.
If I win that book I will definitely be making those wings with my 4 yr. old daughter — and probably with my 8 yr old too! I had to laugh about the "not enough pink" comment — sounds very familiar. 🙂
sarah@forrussia.org
This are lovely, and the book really sound like fun!, I will love to get this to make pretty PINK stuff with my niece 🙂
That is too funny! I am with you all of the way, my little almost 4 yr. old is also not allowed to touch mommies machine and we have tried big stitches on felt and let's just say it's tough, now my 6 yr. old son is much better, so I figure give her a year or 2 and then i will be better, she would also require more pink, thanks for sharing.
That is adorable! And the snowflake adds a touch of Frozen to it. Perfect touch. My daughter just got a sewing machine, this book would inspire her I'm sure.
With grandchildren and many many great nieces and nephews, I could find many great uses for this book. Thanks for the giveaway.
Looks like fun
This is a cute project! Would love to win 🙂
This book looks cute and great ideas.