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I know what you’re thinking — needle crafts and kids cannot possibly go together, but with a few adjustments even the little ones can take a turn at embroidery. Clara had a difficult time sleeping last night and was up several times with teething pain. This afternoon while she was napping I thought I would take a few tips from Amanda Soule’s book The Creative Family so that Emily and I could spend some quiet time stitching together.
[welcome}
As a kid, I remember some of my first sewing projects involving plastic canvas, large plastic needles, and yarn. Let’s face it, embroidery floss, linen, a blunt tip needle, and a hoop make sewing that much more fun!
We used embroidery hoops which can be purchased at craft stores for around $1-$2, linen (about $3), and embroidery floss (around 25 cents each). Emily used a blunt tipped tapestry needle, which costs $1.59 for a pack of 15 of them. With the help of a needle guide, she could even thread the needle all by herself! A few times I had to remind her to poke through the top if the needle was on top, or the bottom if the needle was on the bottom.
This kept Emily busy and quiet for a loooooooong time while Clara took her nap this afternoon. She has set aside the hoop for now, but has plans to continue working on it. I love the abstract, freestyle design she came up with.
I actually just bought some loops last week for Sierra to try sewing with me. I got two hoops for .99 and some burlap material for .99 too. Enough for her to make many designs. I haven’t tried it with her yet, but I think she’ll love it!
So all you Frugal Family Fun Followers, keep your eyes out on thrift stores too and it’s even cheaper!
Thanks for posting such great ideas!
Looks great! My mom taught me to sew with a needle and thread when I was five or six years old…
@ Siayla — Sounds like we were on the same wavelength! I think she will really enjoy it, please keep me updated on how it goes. I would love to hear more about it!
@ MaryAnne — After I posted this, I had a thought that the women in my family have been sewing for generations. Emily would be either 5th or 6th generation. I love passing down skills like that and watching her learn!
I have personally always been afraid of my sewing machine — but this idea looks like fun. I had no idea loops were so inexpensive. I think my kids might really get a kick out of this. Thanks!
Thank you, thank you for this idea. My 5 year old loves the thought of sewing so we got her a little plastic canvas kit at Christmas but within several minutes she was overwhelmed. She wanted more freestyle and I think this will be just the ticket! Thanks tons for this! I can’t wait to get her started!
@ Ivy — I know what you mean about the sewing machine. It can be intimidating at first, and not exactly a kid-friendly sort of thing! This is much more fun, and I think it’s a great instant gratification for kids who would like to try their hands at sewing.
@ Kathy — You are so welcome! Please let me know how it goes.. I would love to hear all about it!
This is totally off topic, but Emily’s shirt is adorable!
@ Jenny Henny — hehehe thanks so much!
Another great idea. My girls will love this.
Ever since I bought that book, I’ve been wanting to do this!!! Thanks for posting it and getting me a little push into actually doing it!
@ jennwa — Thank you!
@ bobbi — Isn’t it the best book? I love, love, LOVE it and have bookmarked so many pages! Very inspiring.
I bookmarked this back when you posted it 'cause I knew it sounded awesome! I linked to it in my Frugal Friday post this week on keeping toddlers occupied in the car (and your invention kit post, too). When I found the plastic blunt needles for about a nickle, I did a little happy dance right there in the thrift store. :>)
Now, I shouldn't bug you about it atain, but I can't help but wonder what you thought of my ribbon dancer spin-off . . .
@ Lenetta — Oooo.. I loved your ribbon dancer, and I thought I had already left a comment, but it must not have gone through! I'm on my way there… 🙂 Thanks so much for the links!!