Yesterday, today, and tomorrow: three afternoons in a row, and we'll meet once a week after this. I'm *thrilled* that there's this much young interest in creating with fabric!
Some girls have never run a machine, one has sewn in "Consumer Science" at school (is that not an all-time worst name for the practice of domestic creativity?), but everyone is enthusiastic.
Two girls are sewing gored skirts with flounces, Hannah's tackling a duffel bag with six exterior pockets, Riley's going to town on a shaped jacket, Leah's starting small with a simple tote, and Ashton's charging ahead with a lined skirt.
The concentration is amazing. I pry them away from their machines for cookies and tea. There's very little chatter.
But a lot of smiling.
Wow! Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteButtercup here - now. But just a little while ago I was in my nearest Hancock Fabric Store where I saw not one, not two, but multiple different fabrics in their "novelty fabric" section featuring *birds*. I saw no owls, but quite a variety of other birds pictured - some in frames, some in allover large-scale prints. Just thought I'd mention it, since you and especially Felix have particular bird love, and maybe you'd want to swing by your local Hancock Fabric Store?
ReplyDeleteYour sewing group looks like a big heap of fun! Good for them! - starting early.
Oh, Anna, what a wonderful ministry you have going. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat fun!
ReplyDeleteMy major at school was technically called "Family & Consumer Sciences." Now tell me, how do "Family" and "Consumer" go hand in hand...it sort of threw us all for a loop.
A sewing circle - absolutely wonderful! This skill will be something these girls will treasure forever.
ReplyDeleteThis is exactly the sort of thing that I would have jumped at when I was younger! We had something similar at my highschool- textiles club. We all used to stay behind after hours having fun with the machines. Loved every second of it.
ReplyDeleteBless you for your patience and efforts in teaching these girls to sew. That is alot you have bitten off to chew, but may it be a sweet one! I taught some girls how to sew last summer and was surprised that they didn't know how to use an iron.
ReplyDeleteAmy F.
Oh what fun! I wished that I lived close by so my girls could learn how to sew from a pro like you! I am terrible at following patterns and tend to make up my own, which makes it hard to teach it to them!
ReplyDeleteWish I could tote my machine on over and join you! How completely fun and what a perfect way to learn - to just jump in and to have a kind pro like yourself to help guide the way. Thanks for sharing this with us!
ReplyDeleteWonderful thing you're doing. I so wish someone had taught me needle crafts at that age. I am, instead, a rather late bloomer! :o)
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome, and it reminds me of my former art teacher on local art school, who gave us her time and experience, too... she taught us how to felt, and dye, and weave... I'm proud to say we still visit her from time to time, even though we're not going to the school anymore; that we are, I believe, friends. I wish you the same kind of friendship with these girls!
ReplyDeleteGood for you! It is so much fun. :)
ReplyDeleteThat's what Melinda & I have been doing almost every Tuesday since October, recreating the Love Story dress. I wouldn't trade the time for anything. But I must confess that I'm jealous you have so many that are interested!
Enjoy!
It thrills me to see young girls want to be domesticated!! *snicker* I am so glad to know that this will not be a lost art. :) BUT, I really want the beautiful red hair!!! What a bunch of gorgeous future sewing queens!!
ReplyDeleteNow, doesn't that say a lot about the change in culture?
ReplyDeleteWhen I was in school it was home economics and girls learned domestic skills (and by economics, frugality is rather implied).
Now girls and boys are taught the science of being consumers. :)
This is wonderful. I just sent the link to a friend. I hope she sets up something similar next year!
ReplyDelete"Consumer Science" made me laugh--I don't feel very scientific when I'm sewing! Even "Consumer Arts" would be an improvement, although the consumer part of the title is just odd--unless I factor in how much money I spend on fabric lately :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your sewing circle--sounds like fun!
How wonderful! A friend's mom took me under her wing and taught me most of my sewing skills beginning in fourth grade. I still remember how much fun we had, and how proud we were to be wearing our own creations. It is such a special gift you are giving them, one I know they will appreciate years down the road.
ReplyDeleteA sewing circle sounds like such fun. Everything is better when you do it with people who share your enthusiasm.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet thing to do Anna.
I've been following your blog for a while and find it so inspiring. I wish I lived near you and 15 years younger to join in too!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI want to come!!! :o( So fun and a great door of ministry.
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ReplyDeleteWe're doing a very similar sewing group this summer. Just this week counted up all the machines we could borrow.
ReplyDeleteOur group will also include the odd additions of solar cooking and canoeing and star-gazing. But that's where the interest lies, so we're going for it!
deb meyers
Wonderful!!!!!
ReplyDelete"Consumer Science" is a pretty dreadful name for something that is so deeply satisfying. I'd like a thirtysomethings sewing circle of my own!
ReplyDeleteWhat lucky girls, learning how to sew from such a skilled seamstress! I'm a little envious ;)
ReplyDeleteAnna, you are certainly sharing the wealth! The Lord has blessed you greatly, and you are sharing your skills and knowledge with young people, that in itself is a ministry, IMHO. I too wish I could be a part of your class, since I am severely lacking in sewing skills. I basically just 'wing' it, and try to learn from reading, but I'm a visual person, and learn better in person. May the Lord continue to bless you and your budding ministry, Anna. You have been such a blessing even in my life, without even knowing you in person. Thought you should know, :)
ReplyDeleteGood for you....I taught two 17 year olds a couple years ago....one just didn't have "the gift". :) I ended up finishing her quilt.
ReplyDelete'Consumer Science', a bit dry, we called it Home Economics when I was in jr and high school and thats not too lovely either. No matter, it's wonderful to see them jumping into something that will serve them well for many years to come. I can't imagine not being able to sew.
ReplyDeleteDoes 38 count as a teenager?! I WANNA come! The miles might keep me from coming too. What a fantastic idea. Praying for great success.
ReplyDeleteOh, how absolutely wonderful! I tell you, those girls are blessed. :) I would dearly love to come and have lessons too! Sadly for me I am neither a teenager or living in America. :( Still, I can dream!
ReplyDeleteThank-you for blessing these girls, Anna.
Saminda.
What a wonderful experience for everyone ... love it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful gift of your time.
ReplyDeleteWhat sweet memories they will have of their sewing lessons with Anna.
Love your heart, wish I could join the classes...not quite a teen, but steadily clinging to 28 ;-)
Kimmie
mama to 7
one homemade and 6 adopted
What a wonderful gift to those girls! Taking time to share something you are passionate about!! Well Done! [And, well done, GIRLS, too!] In our area Home Ec is now called FACS--Family and Consumer Science......they learned to "cook" salsa....... and sewed those little backpacks with a drawstring top and strings......not sure what the "science" was.....
ReplyDeleteMy friends keep dropping hints that they'd "love to learn to sew". What a great idea to get them all together for a sewing circle/ party!
ReplyDeleteI would have LOVED this. I've been really considering attempting to teach myself after stumbling on your blog one rainy day since I think its such a wonderful skill. I'm always amazed by the things you've made...very inspiring. God bless you for sharing this skill.
ReplyDeleteWow thats really cool, I started a sewing class last week.
ReplyDelete-Audrey
My friends and I have a sewing club every other week. We are working on making pants currently. We just made baby quilts. It is so fun.
ReplyDeleteHow fun. I remember our homeschool group doing a sewing class. I joined in on the fun and it was fun.
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