Now I know why my mom fixed me up with an old hand crank sewing machine. Unfortunately I vaccinated myself... - might leave out the needle or put on a needle guard and no thread - give them some paper mazes or dot to dot to 'sew'???
My kids are grown now and have their own babies. I think it is a matter of training them not to get into things when Mommy is sewing/reading/baking cookies/using the computer, etc... I think early on they saw that I was doing things for them and were quite fascinated by what came out. I did best when they were sleeping or were busy nearby. I have to admit I ripped out a lot more when I was distracted by them. Looking back, I think they don't need to be entertained so much as they need to be fascinated by doing things. Ways too much entertaining going on...