Christmas gifts for a young sewist.
 

I am looking for ideas for my granddaughter who is a beginner.... while I don't much care for the term "sewist" I can't call her her 'sewer' either :p She has a simple machine and a sewing box full of notions. She is only 11 so big items would be in the way in her little room. Her mom has a rotary cutter so she can use that under mom's watch. I think when she comes down next summer I'll have her made a jelly roll race quilt. Any ideas for gifts or projects would be appreciated. I have had her made criss cross coasters, pillows & PJ pants. Thanks!!

How about a precut kit for a small quilt or table runner

kits, craftsy class, books

Are you looking for things to make her or for things she could make? How about a Quillow, pillow cases, little zippered bags for her special "stuff", or quilted scarf. Here are some things from a Friday Night Quilting board P.J. Party that I used to belong to. There are several things here that I think she could make.

https://docs.google.com/folderview?i...me&layout=list

What about a tote bag? I recently made 3 for Christmas gifts from fabric & that pet mesh that you can buy at Home Depot. They turned out cute (you would probably have to help her with the pattern).

Thanks, I actually am looking for both ideas~ what to buy for her & what she can make here. Sorry for the confusion!

Pillowcases are easy and simple to make.

A doll quilt, simple scarf, ornament, fleece items?, pillow cases, small tote. Does she need sewing notions, or other items?

An across the shoulder tote for school books so she doesn't have to carry them.

I just ordered from Connecting Threads. They have some nice kits that are easy and on sale

Think I would gift some fabric and panels which she can sew or quilt hand or machine by herself.

I found the girls 8-15 year olds, preferred making clothes, purses, craft items.... Not so much* quilty* items. Maybe a gift certificate to a store ( like Joanne's) that is near her where she could find patterns or books of projects that interest her. A subscription to the Simplicity magazine, pillow projects ( girls love decorative pillows) and, ask her! She may have a wish list of projects, supplies, tools, fabrics she really wants. I always ask my granddaughter's what they would like, want, need first then go from there locating items on her list & adding. Remember young people have their own likes, dislikes, and whimsical personalities, try to nurture hers, don't expect her to conform to our ideas.

I suggest a cross body bag or simple messenger bag. Also, a gift card so she can pick out her own fabrics, take her shopping and guide her to the best bargains and teach her the differences in quality of fabric. A magazine subscription so she can get inspired and get ideas to help her see what the possibilities are. Also a day trip to the library to check out their sewing books, then lunch afterwards to discuss what to make.

fat quarters, several pieces of 1/2 yards of novelty fabric, a bag of buttons or other embellishments. I would also print out (or purchase) patterns for simple totes, stuffed animals, etc. And it never hurts to add a fabric gift card. If you live near her, you might want to give her a card redeemable for a day with you to go to the fabric store and do lunch!

I agree with ManiacQuilter2. Those pillowcase kits are so cute, and she could make some to give as gifts to family and friends.

How about giving her a gift card to her local fabric shop so she can select what ever sewing tool or fabric she wants. Or, a beginners pattern and fabric to make it would be nice.

Last year my 10 year old granddaughter asked for fabric. "I don't have any fabric when I just want to make something." Her mother does not sew. I bought thread and several half yards of fabric. When she opened it she said. "What is this?" Then yelled, "It's fabric!" and buried her face in it. I also bought her 2 SEWING SCHOOL books on Amazon that she has used several times on her own. Good luck Anything sewing and it's time with you is a great gift.

That's when I started to sew with my grandma. Mom was really no help in my case, but she always tried to tell me what fabrics & notions to pick. I thought it was so great when I got to go with Grandma to the store & pick out my own fabrics & notions! She would give input if I picked something that simply wouldn't work for what I wanted, but she left the design choices up to me.

As for a gift you could surprise her with ... I'd go with a nice pair of shears or some snips, depending on budget. Best sewing gift I ever received was a pair of Gingher shears. Much safer than a rotary blade & more practical for most projects.

When I look on the C &T Publishing site it seems they have a lot of kid project books.
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How about a peasant blouse, or an apron?

Does she like to bake? If so, what about an apron? In Beginners Home Ec the first thing they did was make an apron, which was used to teach sewing, then used when they began cooking.