September is Sewing Month and a Great Time to Learn Something New!
Fall Season has arrived and the evenings are getting so much cooler that
spending lots of time outdoors isn't quite as appealing as it was in
July. So what are you going to do with all those evening hours?
If Television isn't your thing, then learning a new craft just might be.
I know I love to keep my hands busy and sewing is one of the ways I do just
that.
Image by
Larisa Koshkina
from
Pixabay
Now, I must admit to you that sewing had been a big part of my life.
Before my retirement I was a designer/dressmaker for many, many years.
I was taught the craft by my mother, and by several courses taken from my
early teens and beyond. Each course building on what was taught
previously.
My grandfather used to say, "Learn something that you can do with your hands
so that if need be, you would have a "job" using your talents. No one can
take that away from you." I think he was pretty wise with those
thoughts.
Sewing is a talent that everyone can develop if they have the will to
do so. I know my very first attempts at learning how to sew, were used
to make my room, mine. I loved pillows and crazy colors. So with
my need to personalize, my mother wisely let me choose some fabrics that I
loved and encouraged me to experiment with her sewing machine. Of
course I had her help (I was only seven or eight years old at the
time).
My point is that if a child shows a willingness to learn something, we as
parents or grandparents can help them along by imparting our knowledge to
them. Arts of any kind require an inquisitive mind. Children are
always curious about all kinds of things. It's a great time to teach
and have fun without pressure! At the same time, our kids learn that
originality and creativity can go hand in hand in many different
ways.
While sewing and sewing skills are geared more for girls, I think that boys
should have the ability to learn too, if they are so predisposed to do
so. Many of our esteemed fashion designers are men!
To help with this avenue for creativity, there are several kits available
that girls and boys may find interesting. I like these two for a
starting point. Pictures feature both girls and boys making and sewing
their own creations.
The first book is geared to teaching some hand sewing techniques, while the
second book includes the use of a sewing machine as well. Depending on
your children's motor skills and how well they can handle each task, you may
like one better than the other. **I will add a caution here,
Parents and/or Grandparents should be able to sit with the children while
they are making these items. There are sharp instruments involved
and extra precautions should also be in place.**
If they are new to sewing, start with the first book and then when they
have mastered or expressed that they really like this kind of craft, you can
move to the second in the series.
Who knows if you will be the one to spark a new hobby, that could lead to much
bigger and more beautiful creations.
What started out as a pillow in my case ended up with me designing and
executing some beautiful gowns, dresses, suits and so much more. I made
a nice living doing something that I enjoyed and also gave pleasure to my many
customers over the years.
You never know the power you have to
guide and form a new designer, they could end up on
Making the Cut! (Our own Tracey, did a review on this show and it is quite a revelation
in how many got started in the sewing and tailoring business)
Children love to learn new concepts and this is one that they can take
with them into adulthood. Mending and remaking clothes for the budget
conscious may just become a "vogue" idea again. Our days of "throw away
everything" have got to stop. Who knows where and when these skills will
be put into practice as our children grow. One thing is certain, there
will always be a need for clothes and if you learn how, you can become quite a
master!
I went from Pillows and Bedroom Decor to making beautiful gowns like this
one! Just one gown from my archives! This was for a graduation and
it's still one of my favorites.
Whatever you do, don't underestimate the joy that spending quality time with
your children and grandchildren can have. It will be memories for you
and for them and teach them a really important life skill.
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