A friend of mine is raising her niece who is 9 years old. Friend has
given niece a nice but simple sewing machine. Friend doesn't
sew, but niece is really loving stitching pieces of material and seems
very eager to learn this new skill. She is a sharp girl, teaching her will
likely be a breeze.
My sewing skills are self taught and very limited so I am really
Not much help in teaching. We live in a rather rural
Area there aren't a lot of classes and such available but I know in this
Age of technology there must be something out there for
This young lady. Can anyone suggest a particular book or website
For some very simple beginning projects suitable for her? Any advice
or thoughts are welcome.
Thanks in advance,
Lori

I'd recommend starting her out with some simple skirt patterns or other easy clothing pieces that she likes to wear. It keeps them interested in the process as they see results quickly. Then, if she's interested in quilting, how about a charity quilt? Quilts for kids will provide fabric kits with alot of the cutting already done. Sewer needs to provide batting but the organization provides the fabric for front and back. They are quick 4 patches with single patches as well. Very easy directions and, again, a quick project so she can see results easily and hopefully maintain the interest. I know Joanns does kids camps over the summer as well if that's an option for you/them.

I think it is so thoughtful of you to teach your friend's niece how to sew. Here are two books you might want to consider.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...+for+beginners

http://www.amazon.com/My-First-Sewin...d_bxgy_b_img_c

Do you have 4-H available in your area? My girls learned to sew thru 4-H. The program starts at 8 years old, so she would fit right in.

How about pillow cases. They are so easy and fun to make.

You could teach her how to make a pot holder (mug rugs) sewing strips and binding. It is small easy as you want it and she can see results quickly.

My little friends 6 and 12 love making pillows. There easy and fun , they make all sizes for thier dolls as well as pillow panels.

I would suggest pot holders or pillow cases. Something simple to start with.

Also check with your local extension office for a 4-H program.

I, too, am sort of self taught...my Mom 'taught' me using the 'Here, let me do that." method.

My niece and nephew, 7 and 8, visited over Easter and each made a 4 patch quilt with me. They were very comfortable with the sewing machine and thrilled to be able to use it. We worked on straight lines, they practiced on scraps until they felt like they could sew a straight line. I had to do some straightening, but was surprised at how little of that I actually had to do. Here's the post I put on QB about it.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-119952-1.htm

They were so eager to learn and very happy to have my undivided attention. Kindness and patience are the keys to successfully teaching sewing. And the kids have to know that there work will not be perfect until they have practiced sewing for awhile. I made some 'mistakes' while I was showing them how to use the machine, so we fixed them together.

By all means get a book to guide you, and start with a simple project. I think I need to take my own advice because my grandson wants to make a quilt this summer. The book will probably teach me as much as it teaches him!