Advice on teaching sewing to young girls
Next week I will start a sewing class for four home schooled girls (and their mothers). The girls range in age from 9 to 16. I will start with a class on machine cleaning and maintenance, explaining some basics about fabric choices, etc., and give them some print outs with designs to practice stitching on the lines and beside the lines (i.e. top stitching). Class 2, we will make coasters with 5 in. fabric squares and pocket tissue holders. Very basic cutting and sewing. Class 3, we will make one of those pillow cases demo'ed on MSQC. From there I will see what interests they have in sewing a simple garment, doll clothes, ragged quilt, or even a simple pieced quilt. I only know the 16 yr. old, so I have no idea how far the other girls will take this. The 16 yr. old is very quiet and quite creative. She could go far with this.
Have any of you taught a similar class? What dos and don'ts did you learn from your class? Any ideas for simple projects for those in the 10 yr. old range?
I'm excited about passing on my love of sewing to the next generation. I just hope I don't overwhelm (or underwhelm, as the case may be). Any advice would be appreciated!