advice for christmas gift
#41
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 141
Wildyard, is your granddaughter really wanting a machine? If so, get it and teach her when you can be with her. There are a lot of fabric shops and some Hancock's that have sewing classes for kids.My daughter is going to teach a class for kids at her church.Also, Fons and Porters rotary cutters are very safe. The blades will only cut when pressed down. This is going to be such a great memory for her.
#42
My 11 yr old granddaughter is just starting with quilting - she loves to attend my guild meetings! We have found some really nice items for her at the guild mercantile table. Check garage sales for fabrics and small items. Also the Dollar Store (I believe someone already mentioned this). Ask your quilting friends if they have items they no longer use which might be appropriate. I found a couple of really nice small quilt kits for her which taught her to read and follow instructions, measure twice, cut once, use a rotary cutter and scissors and MOST IMPORTANT - be patient with the process. Have fun with it!
#43
I would make sure she had the basics for the machine and then give her a sensible amount to spend in a shop. However, make sure you go with her for assistance at the time. I started sewing on grandma's treadle at 7 and was given a machine a short time later where I had to wind the wheel by hand as I sewed. Somehow I managed. People thought that I would be sewing dolls clothes or such - like. I wasn't interested in dolls, and made clothing, furnishings and bags, so she may surprise you with her preferences as well.
#44
maybe you can put together a basic kit of blocks where all the pieces are already cut and all she has to do is sew? You could write up easy-to-understand directions. Would be a great learning experience for her.
My elderly neighbor (87) is relatively housebound and has asked on a couple of times if I need any help. :-D So, now that I am back into my quilting, I am putting a pre-cut kit together for her of aunt grace.
My elderly neighbor (87) is relatively housebound and has asked on a couple of times if I need any help. :-D So, now that I am back into my quilting, I am putting a pre-cut kit together for her of aunt grace.
#45
Originally Posted by wildyard
Is a Simplicity #30516 First Fashions LockStitcher considered a "real" sewing machine? I'd like to get one for my granddaughter, but her parents aren't thrilled with the idea of having to help her use it as neither of them sew. I only see her a couple of weeks a year as we live several states apart. She is 7. I don't know if she could manage this machine with just a few lessons from me or if it's really just inappropriate anyway.
Any thoughts you'd like to share out there?
Any thoughts you'd like to share out there?
#46
Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: elgin, il
Posts: 38
My Grandaughter has no interest in sewing. However, she just loves my easy chair pin cushion. I found it years ago at Joanne's. I am going to see if I can find another one for her. Have no idea what she will do with it. It does have a lift up seat, thought maybe she could store some jewelry in it. Obviously a crazy gift. Just one of those whimsy things.
Great idea to get your Grandaughter started. Be sure to include a variety of small scraps to practice on.
Great idea to get your Grandaughter started. Be sure to include a variety of small scraps to practice on.
#47
Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: S.E. Kansas
Posts: 61
The ideas you have for the kit is great. For a machine you
might look at the Janome Sew Mini. I have used one for
a couple of years to take to classes. Weighs only 5 pounds
was under $40.00 and sews like a charm. Only straight stick
and zig zag but that is all she will need to start.
might look at the Janome Sew Mini. I have used one for
a couple of years to take to classes. Weighs only 5 pounds
was under $40.00 and sews like a charm. Only straight stick
and zig zag but that is all she will need to start.
#48
Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Texas
Posts: 92
I would buy a larger and sturdy sewing box and put simple needs into it. Just basic needles, safe scissors ,thread , snaps etc. I would make sure the sewing box is a good one because no matter what, that sewing box will go with her forever and be a happy memory. Maybe you could add a simple pattern for some doll clothers and enough fabric to make it.
#49
Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Alberta
Posts: 5
2 yrs ago my daughter was 8. For Christmas she got a sewing machine that we got second hand. I included a small pair of scissors, seam ripper, pins and a tape measure. I also included a pattern to make a lap quilt (yellow brick road, but turning twenty would also be good) with the fat quarters needed to do the top. She entered it into 2 county fairs and one quilt show. She won first place in the 2 fairs. Hope this helps. :)
#50
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Central Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA
Posts: 7,695
Originally Posted by sharon b
Scissors, tape measure, some rulers, pins, pin cushion , needles, threader, thimbles
Not sure at that age that I would give her a rotary cutter , she might try to use it without supervision :shock:
Not sure at that age that I would give her a rotary cutter , she might try to use it without supervision :shock:
This is a good suggestion, but I would add a note with each piece of equipment, explaining why you chose it over others available. Ex; 1. These are steel pins because they are less likely to rust, and ruin your fabric.
2. This is a retractable measuring tape, so it will not tangle in your sewing box. etc. etc.
Good of you to spread the addiction to the next generation. {HUGS} :thumbup:
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