The school holidays have arrived - again!  So time for some sewing at home.   Today we stitched up some art using embroidery floss and buttons.   This was the first time I let my biggest Little One free with a pile of embroidery threads - it took her about two seconds to have most of them in a complete mess - perfect for a nesting bird.  So this evening I made some little cardboard bobbins in an attempt to halt (or perhaps just lessen a little bit??!) the mass of knotted threads in the future.   We will see if it works....fingers crossed!

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So you've decided to spend a bit of time helping teach your Little One(s) to sew.  Great!  The obvious starting point is often a few simple hand sewn projects.  Grab a needle and get going!   hmmm..it is often at this point that things start to get frustrating as you find your LIttle One is struggling with the whole needle and thread thing.  Is there an easier way?   Well usually.   Try starting with a needle that is better suited to both your Little One and the project you've chosen to work on together.  

Take a look at the Lolo & Grace guide to hand sewing needles.   You'll find a host of information about most of the different types of needles you will come across and some advice on which needles to use to get your Little Ones going.  And you may just find some good stuff for Big People as well! 

If you are after the abridged version and just want to get started with your Little One before the initial enthusiasm wears off - go grab a Chenille needle (you might already have one floating in your pin cushion).   This needle is a pointed tapestry needle that will work with a lot of fabrics and is easy to handle for Little Hands.  It is also great for learning how to thread a needle as it has a big eye.  

This needle guide is the first of what will be a series on all the basics you need to know to get your Little People sewing.   So, go forth and sew!

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A summer's afternoon spent drawing outside.   I love this Little One's drawing so much, we are going to turn it into fabric, then a dress.   

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Weaving using paper plates - not exactly sewing, but skills are transferable right?  And if I'm honest, I've seen tutorials floating around Pinterest and thought they were just beautiful and wanted to give them a go.    

I ended up using this tutorial from Krokotak - clear instructions and great photos, you can't go wrong.   We kept our weaving on the plates (if you weave to the outer edge, you can slip the weaving off and have a very usable and very beautiful coaster) and it was my Little One who decided they looked like Magic Sunflowers.  Perhaps inspired by the fields of yellow glory we are lucky enough to have growing in our local area.  

This is a great project to use up bits of yarn you might have lying around and a good opportunity to play with colour.    Using the paper plates to weave was really enjoyable - great for five year olds as well as 30 somethings...!  In fact my Little One enjoyed it so much she snuck it into her room at bedtime and was completing rounds of weaving by torch light!   

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Emma Hardy's book Sewing For Children is certainly on the top of the favourite book list for my biggest Little One at the moment.   I often find her sitting down on the floor of my workroom trolling through it's pages - usually followed by requests to make something from it's contents.   And I can understand why - it is full of gorgeous projects for little sewers.  

The book is split into five categories - Animals and Other Creatures; Pretty Playthings; Fashion Fun; Bags, Books and Bedroom Bits 'n' Pieces; and Dressing Up Time.   There is quite literally something for everyone - boys and girls from ages three up.    You will find some very basic projects for those just starting out on their sewing adventure - such as a collection of fun wooden spoon puppets; as well as more advanced projects like a fully lined tote.   And to top it off there is a section on basic techniques and a list of UK and US suppliers for all your needs.  

All the projects are hand sewn, so this is a great book to start with before getting your Little One to try using a sewing machine.  

What I love about this book:

• Simple, clear instructions with lots of beautiful photos - super easy to follow
• A lot of the projects use felt - I think this is the best fabric for a Little One to start with.  It holds it shape, is easy to cut and sew, has wonderful colours and generally leaves your Little One with a  sense of achievement without major frustration. 
• There are projects for boys and girls.   Sewing is not just a girl's sport!
• The projects are beautiful and/or practical - special pieces both you and your Little One will want to keep.  

The most recent sewing project we are tackling at our place is the Rag Doll as featured on the cover.  We started a couple of weeks ago and we're still going.   So far my biggest Little One is showing a lot of determination.    She is meticulously stitching  the pieces together - sometimes hours at a time.....  

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