Please DON'T let me volunteer again!
 

The next time I'm asked to teach Girls Scouts how to use a sewing machine, please, please, someone stop me!

Our daughter leads a GS troop of 5 - all 11 years old. So when asked, I said, sure I can do that. So I planned - we'd make pillowcases, right? right. I set up the room so I could see the girls using my old Bernina and also my FW. (They didn't like the FW.) The day before they were to come over, I was told no pillowcases, how about simple quilts - that way we can accomplish two things at once: getting the sewing patch and also November's service project out of the way.

So, I got out fabrics for them, some didn't like what I chose and went through the stash (thankfully it's not that big) and chose others.

Did I mention that the mothers came also?

Originally this was to be a 2-hour project. It turned into 7, including lunch.

We ended the day with 5 new 9 patch quilts made, using the envelope method - no way was I going to put bindings on those quilts! :) AND, some of the girls really liked using the machines!

Yes, it was: Very tiring! No I did not cook supper! Yes, I'm still exhausted today! But the crowning statement was: "This is the most fun we've ever had at a meeting!" That made it all worth while. So I get to go with them when they turn the quilts in this coming Friday!

Thanks for letting me share. I've learned so much from this group!! You're all awesome!

Alma

Oh Wow, How nice of you. I bet you were tired, Do you have any pictures?

That was so sweet of you! You have made an ever lasting impression on the girls about sewing..you should be proud!

Alma, raise your right hand and pat yourself on the back! You did a good thing. A very good thing. Thank you.

You may now take Monday off.

As a former Girl Scout (many, many moons ago) I salute you. Those are the things that the girls will remember in the future. I know I wouldn't have the patience to do that job. You get a gold star

Wow having a change from pillow cases to quilts .. in 24 hrs notice!!! You have patience! and to have them nosing around in your stash... I would not have been able to stay polite.
You have my compliments for all you did ! And I can appreciate how exhausted you must be!

Congratulations! Five girls doesn't sound like a lot, but when it comes to sewing and giving the attention they each need, it is overwhelming.

I am working with a girl who just turned 10. Her sister is 7, and so far she only does hand sewing, because as she says, "I can control it better." Yesterday the 10 year old worked on a 9 patch pillow (both sides) for a Christmas gift to her mom. She has had a habit of rushing through things too fast, but yesterday she slowed down and actually saw how nice the sewing looked when care is taken. She is now ready to stuff the pillow. The best moment for me was when she said with great enthusiasm, "I just LOVE sewing" while in the middle of a seam. I am sure my feeling was similar to yours, Mimi, when the Girl Scouts said it was the most fun they have ever had a meeting.

Maybe they will let you teach pillowcases at their next meeting!

Dayle

And just when do you get your "patch"? LOL You are very generous and very brave!! But they will remember you for the good times you provided.

I'm pretty sure I would get testy with some of them going through my stash and a change of project. Seems like I would have been sorry that I ever volunteered. But, once someone said it is the best time at a meeting they have had that would have made my year! I would be so pleased that I might have turned someone else onto sewing.

Wow...changing from pillowcases to quilts was quite a change of a project...but it does sound like it turned out well and the girls really enjoyed it...and it could be the start of a life-long love of quilting for them. Thank-you for giving your time!