This is a great little book of kids' sewing crafts, some requiring a sewing machine but many not. It includes information for adults supporting kids learning sewing, but most of it is written at kids' level (ages 8-12, mostly). Introductory sections talk about sewing supplies, fabric, how to thread your needle, basic stitches, patterns, sewing on buttons, sewing machine tips, adding trim, stuffing, and casings. Projects start with a needle book, followed by simple pillows, stuffies, a shaped stuffed animal, a blanket with pocket and attached stuffie. Another category includes a shoulder bag, a wallet, a drawstring bag ('tote'), pouch and apron; classic early sewn gifts (coaster, stuffed mouse/catnip mouse, eyeglass case, pot holder), things to wear like a sleep mask, skirts for dolls and children, and aprons. The last two chapters include instructors for recycling (t-shirt pillow) and mending (patches, buttons, hems, and repairing rips and holes), plus simple stuffed animal repairs.
All projects are illustrated with clear step-by-step photos, as well as text; a supplies list, a 'let's review' of skills, a Note for Grown Ups, and suggestions for customizing to 'make it yours'. The book also comes with patterns and a place to keep them in the back of the book.
Definitely a good book to work with if you have kid(s) who want to sew, or to find sewing projects for one or a group. Both girls and boys are depicted in the photos. ( )

children's nonfiction; crafting/sewing. Appears to be a solid and thorough introduction for kids learning to sew--from making a knot and threading the needle to basic projects (sewing on a button, making a little pillow) to more advanced projects (pouches, aprons--a few of these require a sewing machine--the book assumes that a knowledgable adult will provide the needed guidance with these parts; little or no machine instruction is given for the kids in the book itself) and even some helpful mending skills (darning socks, mending tears, hemming pants, repairing stuffed animals). Traceable patterns are tucked into a pocket at the back of the book. Both boys and girls are depicted in the photos and an attempt has been made to vary the projects enough to appeal to their different interests (superhero capes, skirts). ( )

Much more basic than the Sewing School Quilts book, this one has lots of projects for young beginners. After a helpful introductory section, the sections are divided into Hug, Hold It, Give, Wear, Recycle & Repair, and Vet Clinic. Each project page is full of step-by-step instructions with pictures and useful tips.

Safety Rule #1: Always know where your needle is!

Apple pincushion project
Quiet mouse project
Eye-See-You Case
Doll skirt and kid skirt (including how to make a casing)

Will check this out again in a year or two when the kiddo is interested (and has slightly better fine motor skills). Projects are done with craft thread. ( )

http://erb.kingdomnow.org/featured-sewing-school-by-amie-plumley-and-andria-lisl...
A few years ago I taught a beginning sewing class, 4-H style, for some 3rd graders. I shelled out the money for the approved text and set about teaching the kids all about their machines, how to make a straight line, how to backstitch, etc. The kids were somewhat interested, but what they really wanted was to get their hands on a machine. How I wish I had Sewing School by Amie Petronis Plumley and Andria Lisle back then! This book is delightfully hands-on. It’s written in a such a way that a child who can read can also do most things on his own with only occasional adult help.

When we received the book, Miriam (7) sat down to look through it. These are her words: “At first I thought I’d never make anything, because my mom sometimes forgets things. But it was easy because I didn’t need my mom’s help much. I want to make the doll skirt and one for me to match!”

There are so many things that impress me about this book. The pictures/layout/illustrations look as superb as any modern crafting book out there—in other words, it will appeal to craft-loving adults and children alike. It’s not cutesy or childish, but very appealing and child-appropriate. Another thing I love is the authors and photographer (Justin Fox Burks) use items that children have actually made. Any parent who crafts with children knows that the “finished object” pictures in books and on websites often differ incredibly from what a child is typically capable of producing. This leads to great frustrations for new crafters. The projects pictured in Sewing School were created by children—and they are lovely and child-like. Miriam wanted to do just about every project in the book!

The book begins with a nice section explaining different stitches and techniques. The explanations are clear and the pictures provide good and helpful illustrations for visual learners. But the most impressive thing is that although the authors provide such great projects and illustrations, the child is encouraged to make each craft her own: “All of the projects in the book are very basic. It is up to you to make them special…During the sewing process, it’s also important to ‘make it yours’ by sewing on notions and trims. You might get some ideas from the pictures in this book, or you might dream up something completely new.”

We’ve made a couple of crafts from the book. Miriam and her brother Alex made a Stuffie one night using their own drawings to make a stuffed creation. The next day their friends came over to make some, as well. Four children (aged 6-9) made simple, cute, stuffed toys with minimal adult help. Ah! Just what the children ordered—a hands-on learning experience! ( )