Suggestions please - My 8 yr. old great grnd dgtr will be spending the week end w/me & thought she might like to "create" a SMALL project for her mom. Since I have my machine out working on a project & a few left over 5" charm pieces, I'm looking for something EASY. She has NEVER sewn before & only been around a machine a couple of times recently @ my house, but she loves the colors I've been working on.

Thanks for any ideas you could share.

Have a blessed evening :lol:

Could she do as simple 9 patch and make a pillow? My granddaughter started just sewing charm squares together and made a lap size for herself.

You could make 4 patch blocks with the 5 inch squares and alternate them with 9-1/2 inch squares.

You could expand it slightly and do a disappearing nine patch...she could help sew the nine squares together and then you could cut them and she could arrange them.....if you use them so there are no points to match it is easy and great fun....you could then turn it into a nice bag with handles....I'm sure her mum would love that..........whatever you decide I hope have a great time.

Everyone has all given great ideas. Oh, but how about a pot holder for her to take home to parents :) Small yet, she will feel like she did something big. Make it a 4 patch pot holder. :) Have fun.

Believe it or not, I have trouble making potholders.

Maybe it's because I'm making them too thick - with two layers of warm and natural?

I agree with the potholder suggestion. Quick and easy so she won't feel overwhelmed and you won't get too frustrated if she doesn't take to the project as quickly as you hope. Plus it's a practical item that can be used (and even treasured) even if it doesn't turn out quite as expected.

Maybe a mug rug?

How big a project? A doll quilt that is just 16 of the 5" squares would be a good size to start. I started a pre-teen with a 4-patch of 9" squares, that we made into a preemie quilt.

I hope your granddaughter surprises the heck out of you and shows a knack for sewing! Neither one of my girls ever wanted to learn when they were small, although I would have loved to teach them. One of my granddaughters is my color coordinator; quick to critique what I have chosen. Sheesh, she's only 5 1/2!

I like the idea of simple patches and then put the batting and backing on where you sew around it and leave an opening and turn it. Then she could tie it and have her own quilt.

a quilt for her doll! I agree, make it maybe 15"x15"? have fun. I have 3 daughters and none care too much for sewing or crafting. Bake and cook yes.

I agree on the feasibility of the turn right side out and tie project -

maybe start out as a doll quilt or table runner - and if it goes well - go on to make a lap quilt?

WOW - so quick w/such GREAT ideas - When she comes Fri. afternoon, I'll suggest a few of these to her - The pot holder is a great idea for her mom (since it's moms day Sun) & I especially like the idea of sew 'sandwich' & turn.

Depending on how she handles that, maybe I'll suggest a sm. pillow for dad. (and time permitting - she will be going w/me to a BBQ on Sat that is a little out of town, so won't have 'quilt' time that day). If she 'takes' to it, maybe the pillow for dad for dad's day coming up.

Tonnie - YES - they can be very critical early!! She's 8, thinks shes going on 15! I hope she does take to it - none of my other girls have shown an interest, but that may be because I didn't catch the bug till I was in my 50's so they were never 'exposed' to it.

THANK ALL YOU WONDERFUL FRIENDS for sharing such great ideas - I'll have plenty of choices to offer her.

Blessings to all .