I had such a fun day yesterday!
 

At Thanksgiving, my 16 year old niece started asking me about quilting and sewing. I wasn't sure if it was mild curiosity, or if she was truly interested, but I did offer to teach her. I didn't meet her until she was 12, and because my brother only has her every other weekend, we've never spent any time alone together, so I didn't want to get my hopes up.

I was absolutely tickled when she came over yesterday afternoon for her very first sewing lesson! I spent about an hour going over the basics of the sewing machine, then I had her make a pillowcase out of some flannel I had on hand.

She did a fabulous job. I could not believe how quickly she became comfortable at the sewing machine, and she was so happy to have a finished project to take home and show off! She said she can't wait to come back for her next lesson!

I never thought I would have a mini-quilter in training of my very own, lol. In fact, I'm so excited, I went ahead and ordered a basic sewing machine to give her for Christmas!

doesn't it feel good when a young person Wants to sew! Congrats on your new "student".

How fun. I hope to have to opportunity to teach someone to sew someday. I thought my 22yo DD 10 yrs ago but she has been the only one so far. Not many people interested these days it seems.

How fun and so sweet for both of you! Enjoy your new Sew Sister!

Oh it sounds like you did have a wonderful time with your neice. She seems thrilled to be learning with you there to show her things. How sweet of you to get her a machine for Christmas. I would love to see her face when she opens up that gift. :)

i had hoped that for my gkids, but none of the 7 were interested :(
how lucky you are!

I love hearing about young people wanting to learn how to sew. Thanks for sharing your wonderful story.

How wonderful! I hope you have many more opportunities to get together and enjoy yourselves sewing and learning about each other.

Watson

Enjoy the time with your niece and the joy of knowing you’re helping her learn a very useful life skill. YAY!

That is a beautiful story! I can just see her with it in her hand and a smile on her face.

What a sweet story and you can pass on your skills!!!

I love hearing stories about passing these skills to another generation. How fun for you & her! You have a new fabric shopping buddy:-)

Actually I taught my DD, lol.

Was wondering what machine you bought for her.

I hope you have many more good times together.

Oh how FUN!!

My niece is very interested but unfortunately I don't live close enough to really take her under my wing. She has already informed me (when she was 8, and she was very serious) that when I die she gets my sewing machines, though. LOL She fell in love with my 6600, especially the scissor cut button. She said, "That's the happiest sound in the world!" Well, I agree! *love*

I gave her a little Brother sewing machine that survived for awhile, but then her older brother started sewing things like cardboard with it and now it's dead. I think I should hook them up with an old vintage Singer 15 or something - those are a lot harder to kill!

What fun for both of you! Developing your relationship, and teaching her a life skill too. Happy stitching!

What a thrilling experience for you and new niece. I would love to be a fly on the wall when she opens the gift.

Exciting news---a new budding quilter! I have 5 grandchildren and only 1 of them has a little interest in sewing but her patience is not quite there yet but I have hope.

I only have 2 granddaughters neither has any desire to ever learn to sew or quilting. 5 Grandsons would never consider it. My oldest Daughter sews and quilts, younger one would never consider it.

Always glad to have new quilters. Enjoy.

Oh wow, you and your niece are going to have so much fun!!!! You both are very lucky to have each other to share your sewing with!!!
Ditto what RedGarnet222 says!!!

Be thankful for this special opportunity of sharing your love and skills with her. I hope her interest will continue and you can share this hobby. However, most important is a growing relationship with her on every level. I did teach a grandson to sew and he made a quilt for St. Jude's. He continues to sew when there is a need. Who knows about a future quilter; at least he can take care of his clothing and household items. Isn't that progress?

Can’t get any better than that, can it? You get to share something you love, and you and your niece will get to spend quality time together! Life is good.

Love it...especially that she’s interested at 16. Sometimes you lose them to other interests such as boys. It’s sad that most schools do not offer Home Economics anymore.

We celebrate Christmas at Thanksgiving since our children can come then easier than at Christmas. My 20 year old granddaughter asked for a sewing machine for Christmas, so I did get her one. She has made a quilt and other things by herself, and decided she kind of liked sewing. She learned to sew quickly. I am thrilled she wants to make quilts!

Our granddaughter, who is interested, lives in Texas.

How wonderful! Keep us posted on progress!

About two months ago, I sat next to a 12 yo who had been a 4H member of a quilting group of a friend. I asked her if she was still quilting and she said she was but had to hand stitch owing to no machine. We were sewing for charity and she caught on quickly to the suggestions I made for this project. Sweet child. After some inquiries, I decided to purchase an "all but new" machine for her. Got a real deal on a floor demonstrator.

Received the sweetest thank you. Kids are great.

I love that you are giving her a sewing machine for Christmas. My step-daughter wanted to make a quilt for her mother. I purchased a beginner sewing machine (so I could use mine at the same time was the excuse I used). I gave her a kit that I had purchased and had not been motivated to start. She made the quilt and quilted it on my longarm. She did a very good job on both the piecing and the quilting. The sewing machine has been living in storage since her graduation from night school (about 10 years ago and she has been living in Thailand the past 4++ years). Oh yes, I forgot, she never did give the quilt to her mother....she kept it for herself.....hahahaha

My AF son married a wonderful German woman with a 6 yr old daughter 2.5 years ago. My son took sewing in 6th grade as part of a "Life Management Skills" class. Move forward a few years & I bought him a basic sewing machine for him to use to sew patches on his uniform saving him approx., $20.00 per uniform.
I sewed for GD Ellie. They were both fascinated. When we went over to visit in 2016, we had a sewing day. Ellie, her mom and I made a tote bag for Ellie. Then when they came home in July, Ellie & I sewed a pillowcase, and mom and I sewed jersey pants for baby sister. I am fairly sure we would sew more together if they lived closer.
Happy day!
Susan

Lucky niece--it will be fun for both of you to have a sewing buddy.

What fun for both of you! Carry on!

What a great story! She was lucky to have you to teach her, and you are lucky you could pass your skill onto someone who will soak it all in! Nice gift too!!!!

How kind of you to gift her with the machine. I learned to sew at age 12 and it stuck with me. Not sure if it would sink in as well if I were learning now lol!

I taught my GD's to sew and they are so grateful! One lives on a boat and she can sew sails, curtains, etc. They lost their boat in Hurricane Maria, and are looking for a replacement boat, but so are hundreds of other folks. She will inherit one of my sewing machines one day, probably my Singer 401A which she loves.

What a great experience for both of you!! I hope she continues to visit so you can spend more time with her and she learns a really valuable life skill!!

what a great story. Can we all remember our first sewing machine? Our first lesson? Precious memories in the making.

Congratulations! I taught my granddaughter to sew & like you, gave her a sewing machine. It's a good feeling to be asked to teach someone. Even adults! I've taught two now and am so proud of both of them!!