There are two little people (and one big person!) in this house who like to sew. However one of our challenges is preventing my little two year old sabotaging the sewing endeavours of the rest of us! When I say sabotage, I really mean destruction through over enthusiasm and 'yet to be perfected' fine motor skills. So, we've learnt to involve our littlest at her pace with some independent sewing activities. It keeps her occupied, and thus out of the 'sabotage zone'! and those fine motor skills are getting a work out.
We made some soft toys the other day (post on that coming soon) and my little two year old enjoyed her part in the process. Here's what we did, you might want to try some of these ideas at your place?
       | Grab some fabric markers and a scrap of fabric and let them create a pattern masterpiece. A normal marker would work just as well. Stuffing, un-stuffing and re-stuffing. This can potentially keep them entertained for quite a while. Sewing machine team cheerleader. Not only do they feel part of the process, but they also get to learn through watching. You can also combine this with 'chief pincushion holder' duties. Pincushion pinning. Practicing pulling out and replacing pins from their storage rosette. It helps to have pins with big heads, such as these flower pins. And they are ever so pretty if you have little people who are somewhat enamoured by all things princess-y Threading a needle and freestyle stitching (a nest of fabric and thread is the usual result!) Double the thread so it won't be pulled out of the needle, therefore keeping said toddler independently occupied for longer... A chenille needle works well here. It has a large eye easy for threading embroidery floss; is relatively thick, so easy for little hands to hold; and has a point sharp enough to pierce fabric, but not so easy to pierce skin. (although this is no guarantee...) And, if you've got a little extra time, patience and nerve, you can let them have a go at using the sewing machine. Sewing on paper is a great starting point. |
So don't think you can't get out a sewing project for yourself or independent little people if you've got a busy toddler with you. Set them up with these or other activities - cutting up scrap fabric is also another favourite in our house - and buy yourself some time to sew.
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