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Sewing Books
Catch the Sewing Bug! 25 Fun and Simple Sewing Projects NEW!
Catch the Sewing Bug is especially designed for younger hands working with adult ones, and is written in such a way that adults with no sewing skills can easily work their way through it. The book provides simple, do-able, fun projects. Each project builds upon skills learned in an earlier one, and by the time the child finishes the book, she not only has a fair repertoire of basic sewing skills, but also a large boxful of useful, fun things that she has made. It is amazing how much even the youngest child, with a caring adult, a good machine, and this book, can do! These projects have been created to be completed in a short amount of time to accommodate the attention span of your budding seamstress.
So come along side your child and watch her experience the fun of sewing and the gleam in her eye as she proudly shows off her creations and announces to all, "I made it myself!"
Turn her first experience with the sewing machine into a lifelong love..and watch as she "catches the bug."
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"We
are still learning and having fun. Our daughter's items are turning out
so pretty. Thank you for the easy instructions and the wonderful,
practical items. We had previously started another learning to sew
book, but Hannah wanted to know when she was going to be able to sew
'real life'things instead of just the toys and dolls in the other book.
I am definitely going to recommend your books to anyone who asks our
opinion.
I am still learning to sew. I started teaching myself a few years ago.
Your books are helping to fill in some gaps that I have in my
knowledge, so they are great for moms too!"
F.M. S.
"Hey! Just a
quick comment...I just saw your neck
coolers to make this month...My kids and I actually
made some last month and set to Iraq to the soldiers!
They loved them!!!! They are quick and easy to make
and they are appreciated by the soldiers! Thanks so
much for all you do..." Jenny V.
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Sewing Rules |
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Keep your shoes on for protection, especially from pins.
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Carry scissors with the sharp point down in case you trip and fall.
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Keep your foot off the foot pedal while you thread the needle.
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Always lower the presser foot before starting to sew. If not, you will have a knot!
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Normal stitch length for sewing is a 2.5 setting. |
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Always backstitch (forward 3 stitches, back 3 stitches, then forward 3 stitches) at the beginning and end of a seam.
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Watch the fabric guide not the needle. The needle's job is to simply bob up and down - it's not going anywhere! Your job is to keep your eyes on the fabric guide and steer the fabric with your hands.
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Remove all pins as you sew. Do not let a pin go under the presser foot. If your machine needle hits a pin, it is likely to break the needle and throw off your machine timing.
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Turn the hand wheel so that your needle is in the highest position when beginning and ending a seam.
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Be gentle with the sewing machine. Don't force anything to work. If something seems 'stuck,' ask for assistance.
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Press after stitching each seam. |
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Clean up your sewing area when you are finished. |
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"Catch the Sewing Bug" Review from The Old Schoolhouse Store:
Catch The Sewing Bug is a book of 25 fun and simple sewing projects for children. The 40-page book includes all the patterns and directions for the projects. The outside cover is a full-color, heavy gloss paper. The inside of the book is printed in black and white on glossy paper, but the inside front and back covers include adorable full-color pictures of the finished designs, most of which are modeled by children.
The first section of the book contains a master list of necessary supplies for all 25 projects. (Each individual project lists the materials needed just for that specific project.) The book also includes instructions on using and taking care of a sewing machine. The instructions are broken down into manageable sections and remain a handy reference throughout the completion of the projects. Required supplies include a sewing machine, all the usual tools (tape measure, pins, seam ripper, scissors, seam gauge, etc.), and various materials and threads depending on the project. Full-size patterns are included for only a few projects at the end of the book; most have measurement drawings included with the step-by-step instructions.
This book is a simple introduction to using a sewing machine. The projects are child friendly and are items of interest to most children: a sewing machine cover and pin cushion, a puppet, a tote bag, a pillowcase, and a headband, among others. There are even some projects that would be suitable for gift-giving. All are pleasantly simple, while still allowing the student to practice many sewing skills. Students in the middle elementary grades and up will enjoy these projects. This book is ideal in a homeschool setting because a parent/teacher is available to work alongside the child as needed. Both girls and boys could benefit from the skills taught in this book, although the majority of the projects have a definite feminine interest.
This book is ideal for teaching the basics of handling a sewing machine. The sections on care of the machine and the rundown of the tools involved are presented well and should not be too intimidating for most children. This book might also spark an interest in younger children as they watch older siblings or a parent sewing on a machine.
It would have been nice to see more pictures of the completed projects presented by boys. Many of the items are certainly unisex items. If they had been presented in a more neutral light (with blues and darker colors and with boys demonstrating them), the book would be much more appealing to boys. The machine information is truly wonderful, and most boys would be interested in handling such an intricate piece of machinery, regardless of the outcome of the projects.
We found the book to be very handy and easy to follow. My eight-year-old son was interested and handled several projects successfully. He is not generally bothered by the "girl vs. boy" side of things, so we did not have that hurdle to overcome. He was excited to make something for his sister's dolls and for his new baby brother.
If you use the book to make gifts, the book will pay for itself after just a few projects. The additional skills of measuring and determining the best use of material (including scraps) provide a bit of mathematical value to the product as well. Every homeschool hoping to produce self-reliant young adults should put this book to use
View the Table of Contents
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Copyright © 2004 Bunkhouse Books. All rights reserved.
JoAnn Gagnon, 1-800-337-8845
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