Is there anything so dear as a little child, eyes wide, eagerly asking you, “Can I sew?? Pleeeeeease, can I sew?!”
YES, my dear, YES! I feel like I’ve waited years for my daughter to want to sew…I mean to really want to sew. And now that she’s 5, she finally has the fine motor control and attention span to actually get her feet wet.
So we thought we’d start on something small.
Ha! That was at last month’s guild meeting. I was chatting with a friend, and I heard cheering…I turned around, and there was my girl, quilting her little heart out on a great big long arm, with a whole room full of giddy ladies cheering her on. It was sheer heaven for this Mamma.
But the sewing didn’t end there. We’ve been machine sewing….
But nothing- truly nothing- has been quite as thrilling as Nora’s very first block. And I don’t mean a block that she helped me sew. Or a block where I pushed the gas and she steered. No. I mean- I gave her a needle, thread, scissors, and my scrap basket, and she designed and created a block 100% by herself. I had zero input, control, and what a thrill it was to see what she came up with! A modern scrappy little window frame- hand stitched- with a pretty pink running stitch.
She waited weeks to go to guild meeting with me so she could share about her block at show and tell. And the meeting turned out to be suuuuper long…tons of important business stuff. She waited and waited and waited. I am almost tearing up now as I picture her sparkly-shoed feet dangling from the chair as she clutched her vintage beaded purse- quilt block neatly folded inside. Then finally, her moment arrived. And as we stood her up on that chair, ooohing and aahhing, something struck me to the core.
It didn’t matter that she’d overlapped the raw edges, rather than stitch the pieces right sides together. It didn’t matter that the block- as is- probably wouldn’t survive a single wash, or that she didn’t have any particular plan for it yet. For now, it’s just a block. The only thing that mattered was that her heart spilled over with joy as she showed off that block- she had self confidence that wouldn’t have rooted nearly as deeply if I’d held the reins and told her what and how to create. She knew what she wanted it to look like, and she made it happen. If she asked me to tie a knot, I showed her how to tie a knot- then she tied the next one. And somehow, without me orchestrating the event (heaven forbid I not control EVERYTHING), we unknowingly stumbled into “identity shaping” territory. I’m good enough. I’m smart enough. I’m creative enough. I make good decisions. I CAN!
As we neared the parking lot after lunch, about to head home, and idea struck (or should I say, stung?). A bee- a traveling bee, similar to the Circle 7 Bee I’m enjoying so much with 6 of my dearest online quilt friends….where each person starts by making a block, then the blocks travel around from person to person, each adding a new section and a bit more love, until finally it returns to it’s original owner- fully pieced and ready to be quilted. But this bee will be a little different.
I want to start a bee for Kindergartners…4, 5, 6 year olds. A no stress, no judgement, no pressure bee that’s sole purpose is to encourage parent/child quality time, self esteem, creativity, and a sense of accomplishment. Little bee members can hand sew, machine sew, even draw and color with fabric markets, to create a one-of-a-kind block to add to each quilt that comes their way. At the end of the bee, each child leaves with a doll quilt, precious memories, and a little deeper understanding of who they are and what they can achieve.
I think I’m going to start off by asking some close local quilty friends with Kinder-aged kiddies, to join in the inaugural round. But where could it go from there? Another, and another…oh to receive a bubble envelope covered in stickers and doodles from across the world, filled with a special note, some candy, and a kinder-perfect quilt in progress. I can’t wait to share more about this exciting adventure…let the Kinder BEE begin!
Alas, my Ben is too old. He’s nearly 27, AND DOES NOT SEW…. Anymore!! Lol. What a GREAT IDEA!! …. Oh……….. AND WELL DONE TO YOUR OLDEST!! What a proud Mommy!!
I have taught two of my boys to sew, now ages 10 and 14. Alas, my only daughter, 20, is still uninterested, and my third son, 16, who struggles with fine motor and cognitive deficits, is still in the process of learning. My 14 year old (soon to be Eagle Scout) has made 2 quilts completely alone, including a camp quilt for Boy Scouts. My 10 year old has made a couple patchwork pillows, and has just asked to make a quilt. I think it is so important to pass these skills onto our children, both boys and girls, because sewing is as important a survival skill as cooking, first aid, or any other thing parents teach their children. What a wonderful idea and good luck with the Bee!
Aww, love the concentration as she uses the long arm, and how proud she was of her block :) The bee sounds like lots of fun, looking forward to seeing what the next generation of quilters comes up with!
WTG Amy! Love all your ideas. Now I’m going to ask you a question. I once saw an ad on the side panel of my facebook. It was an ad for a monthy sewing kit sent to a child. I didn’t save the info, have been looking and watching and hoping it would show up again and now I’ve come to the one person I know who will find out for all of us. Or maybe craftsy.com can come up with a class for younger quilters. Thanks Amy and Amy’s fans
Long Arm Quilting Machine: Many thousands of dollars
Membership in local Guild: Several hundred dollars (or maybe not so much, depending. . .)
Nora’s self-confident introduction and her fearless participation in both: PRICELESS!!!
I currently teach young ones at our local fabric (box) store. It is such a joy to see them as they master basic sewing skills. Taking that teaching out of a ‘classroom’ and into the home and heart of the family is genius. Your concept of a Kinder Bee is just too fantastic to find the right words of encouragement. Inspirational is a start. All I can say is, when you decide to franchise, let me know. I’d love to be your rep. in FL!
I just loved reading this! I wish we could all keep our childlike qualities and be open to new adventures and being proud of what we create. How many times have I ripped out or started over because something wasn’t perfect. Well, your daughter’s block IS perfect and I’m so glad that she is so proud of her creative design and great work. She’ll be one to watch in the future, just like her Mama!
Beautiful block Nora! Love the fabrics you chose!
That is a lovely & very sweet story! I’m not surprised that you were tearing up at the guild meeting – I was tearing up just reading this post. I thought the story of your husband sewing a little while ago was fantastic but this beats it hands down. And it also shows what happens when we let things just develop rather than pushing things along, well done!
Nora well done. Your block is lovely I am going to be making some framed squares myself tomorrow to put stars on. We are all so proud of you!
My 6 year has been sewing for a few years, but I’ve never just turned her loose…sounds like it’s time!
Oh i got so excited for her!! Im so sad i missed both those meetings. My little zoey started making a scrap block when she was 6.. shes almost 8 now … so too old for your group. Your a good mamma!!! Shes going to treasure those memories with you when she is older.
Oh my those pictures are so precious. I love the look on her face. My 2 kidlets want to try out my new-to-me long arm too and I will let them, once I learn how to use it of course.
I love your Bee idea. It is similar to the Modern Mini Mystery Round Robins that I have been hosting. I’m betting my 6 yr old son would love to join in..and my 4 1/2 year old daughter too (she typically wants to do what her brother does). They take great interest in Mom’s sewing so I know they would love to do some of their own.
I got the mama lump in my throat as I looked at your pics. I let my 5, almost 6 year old, try some stitches on my sewing machine last week. Not an actual square, but this post has given me something to think about with her–something we could learn together (I’m pretty much a novice myself). Thank you for sharing your little love’s joy!
Sweetest story ever!
Wow Amy! My daughter is 7 and my son is 9. They have also taken to sewing quilt blocks from my straps when I am quilting. Their blocks look similar to Nora’s and they too are so proud! Kids have such an incredible eye with no pressure or judgement. It is often my kids whom I look to to help me lay out the blocks. You have inspired me so much that I always have hexis on the go. I had a whole slew of Christmas hexis. I was going to off set 2 rows down one side of white fabric and then quilt it in straight lines. The kids got hold of the hexis and they laid out a Christmas tree! Wow..I never thought of that. Kids are precious and I love that we are surrounding them with a true art!
My 6 year old just asked to sew the other day! Going to have to get the scraps out and let her dig in! Thanks for the encouragement to let go and not dictate how she should do things. :-)
Great block, Nora!! I love it and can’t wait to show my daughter, Claire!
What a great idea! Congrats to Nora on her first blk and I’m sure she’ll have a blast with Kinder Bee.
How very very precious that moment was, so glad you shared it with us, it brought tears to my eyes reading it. You must be sooo proud of little Nora she obviously wants to follow in her mummies footsteps as she see’s you having so much fun sewing. Bless her little heart X
I showed this post to my seven year old and her first comment was “I bet her Mom’s so proud of her!”. Her next comment was about her own “Next Project. So cool!
Seriously, take it to a frame shop and get it framed! It truly is a memory worth preserving. I love the pix of Nora sitting on your lap at the machine!!
LOVE IT! Nora did such a good job, and I think the Kinder Bee is brilliant :)
Super awesome! My daughter will be 5 in January and lives to feel my scraps. She’s very tactile and creative. I have a sneaky feeling I’ll have a similar story in a year or so. I’m very excited about your little one’s success!! Pass that on to her–I’m a firm believer in strong, positive reinforcement!!
Oh my goodness! This story just makes my heart melt :) ♥♥♥
Amy,
that is so ironic. I was up with my two younger girls last night teaching them how to make their first quilt on machine. They are 6 & 8. It was such a cool Mommy & daughter evening. My six year old wanted to go well into the night to finish her quilt but Mom couldn’t hang. It reminded me though that I have created a night owl for sure….. someone who will stay up all night to finish a project once you get into the zone. I love this idea of a Kinder Bee. We will continue later today to finish up their quilts and I will make sure that I take pictures to fully capture the moment.
Bless her heart! I agree….have it framed! What a great memory!!
Oh so sweet! I still remember having a hand sewing project in my mom’s purse as a little girl. I stitched right along her in any waiting room. My 3yr old sews with shoes strings and cardboard cutouts. I literally dream of the day she wants to sew with me :) Great job mama!
I could hardly read your post for the tears in my eyes! Made my day! Nora you should be soo proud of yourself! Thank you for sharing!
what a great idea!! I would have to beg, borrow, but never steal a child, as my youngest is 18!!! But I think it is great to share our passions with our children. Here in Canada at least, home is the only place to learn, because the don’t offer sewing in school anymore!
Love this! The best way to parent them towards self confidence is to let them do it, guiding when it’s asked for. My oldest son was nine when he asked for his own sewing machine. He was ready for those hand stitches to be neat and orderly. He sewed a million Possible Bags, he’d read about them in one of his survival/history books, he used any materials he could get his hands on. If the machine complained he moved to the next one. I’m an avid up cycler so they are varied. He’s getting ready to turn thirteen and has a jacket in mind, that can not be purchased in any store…online or otherwise. I’m waiting to see what he creates.
That was so sweet seeing her standing on that step controlling such a large machine. Her first block is so precious as well, I’d be tempted to frame it, then it won’t need washing and will last forever. I also love the idea of the Kinder Bee (we would call it a Nursery Bee here in Britain as our preshchoolers go to Nursery not Kindergarten) But whatever it is named, it is a lovely idea.
Oh that is so so sweet, my 4 year old is vaguely starting to want to try, but I can’t wait til I can properly let her loose on it all, and see what she makes :o)
I give your daughter credit, kids are so brave! I think you ought to frame her block and hang it up. Good job, Nora!! :) Thanks for sharing your daughters special moment with us, so cute..
My daughter was in high school when found old t-shirts at the thrift stores and cut down, resewed, added her own embellishments–she wanted to use my machine, scissors, threads rulers but didn’t care to learn how to sew seams, etc–but she created some wonderfully unique and very personal outfits. Allowing people to creatively explore maybe more important sometime than detailed instruction–who knows where it might lead??? Way to go Momma–Proud of our girls, Carolyn
This is the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen! I would frame that block for sure and keep it forever! With my daughter just three months old, this post touches me in a way I didn’t expect. I can’t wait for her to be old enough to get into sewing and quilting. Sweet, precious moments :)
Wow, so precious! So wonderful to see her mom encourage her and let her create on her own, as well as support her in her show-and-tell! (really, and truly, that’s an amazing gift you just gave to your daughter!!)
What a fantastic idea the Kinder Bee is! What a way to get the next generation started on continuing to pass down the handcrafts skills!
Hi Amy! You must be more than proud of your little girl! She is surrounded by her mom’s creativity that’s why she is following your steps. But, quilting in a long arm it’s a big step! So corageous! It’s so pure how she could participate during the guild meeting and wait patiently her turn. The idea to start a kinder bee is very original! At the moment my daughter is only two years old. But, as you did, I’m also gonna wait for the moment she can make her very first block!
What a beautiful post! It brought tears to my eyes as I read through your story and looked at those beautiful pictures. What a special time for her (and you) and what a great guild you have to encourage and support her. I think your “Kinder Bee” is a fantastic idea. Self esteem is something so important – and sadly a lot of little girls and boys do not have someone to instill in them. I applaud you for all you do for others. Thank you for allowing us to have a glimpse into such a special time in your child’s life.
When I was 8, my mother gave me free rein over her sewing machine and I took off. She taught me how to make a gathered skirt which I wore to school until it didn’t fit any more. 55 years later, sewing is more than a hobby it is a part of me – a part that can’t imagine life without fabric within reach.
This summer, my granddaughters, ages 3,4,7 and 9, decided I should teach them to sew. Needles, thread and unlimited scraps later they had doll pillows and “quilts” for not only their dolls but their friends’ dolls. They made my heart sing. The 7 year old has really found her calling and we are now mostly done with a skirt that she has helped cut out, definitely sewn and will wear to the first day of school in two weeks. She has already begun plans for her next project – and her creativity in her fabric choices already amazes me. I know she will be giving me tips sooner than later!
Oh, and the 13 year old grandson also decided to give it a try – making an embroidered pillow by hand and then taking off on the sewing machine. Sadly, his adventure made the sewing machine die (!) but it needed to be cleaned anyway and I am sure it will be good as new…and his first words were “Does this mean I don’t get to touch it any more?” How could I deny him? He will be designing my clothes some day!
Good thing I have more than one machine…:)
It is amazing to share a love like this with the loves like that…what a blessing!
How wonderful! You have given them something they will always remember and share with their babies. They will say, “My grandmother taught me how to sew.” Aren’t grandchildren the greatest gift? When they are teens, showing them how to hem jeans, repair/replace a zipper, or alter a shirt/skirt is the BEST gift. Especially when they take a garment somewhere to have it fixed and look at the prices. It’s $17 here to replace a zipper in blue jeans! Knowing how to do this themselves is a gift beyond anything money can buy. And it all starts with pillowcases. :)
Cheers from California to Nora and her beautiful block. I love it!
my 10 year old son enjoys sewing, he hasn’t finished anything but he has made a few blocks on his own, I told him if he wants to he can do your BOM on Craftsy and he wants to do that but he still needs to choose some fabric.
Nora what a great quilt block!! Soon you will be quilting your own quilt on the long arm machine.I taught both my boys how to sew. Thanks for sharing such special moments.
So so sweet! I love that she got on the long arm-that is priceless! And you are right about those identity shapers-what a blessing to be aware of those moments in motherhood when we recognize that happening!
Why do I always end up crying every time I read your blog? This is a beautiful post.
Crying. I am so amazed by you. I’m inspired to live my life out loud like you do. Sharing in the highs and lows, and the learning moments.
I can feel the joy in this post, both yours and your little girl’s. She is so proud! And rightly so.
Whenever you open up the Kinder Bee, sign us up. My little girl would jump at the chance and so would I!
Thank you so much for sharing the quite sweet and very affecting story of your little munchkin catching the sewing bug. Lovely. Put a lump in my throat.
Trace Adkins has a song called “Just Fishing” and your post reminds me of that – and I got a tear…thanks. If it weren’t for today’s technology of the web and images, she may very well forget some of these times as they fade into her past, and she is not conscious of the self-esteem building going on, but she will carry the emotion of acceptance and bonding forever.
100 years ago when I was poor as a church mouse and didn’t have a pot…or a window…While all the other kids’ moms were taking my son’s friends to Sea World and Six Flags every other weekend, my boy and I would stay home and cook. Not bake, but cook and grill. I didn’t realize it at the time, but that was quality time and it gets no better. I’ll cherish it forever. During his 13th summer, he’d call me at work and say, “What do you want for dinner?” and I’d come home to delicious meatloaf and mashed potatoes. No kidding! When he went to college, he was the only guy in his dorm who could cook, and he’s a grillin’ fool now, master of the kitchen, and can make a meal anytime anywhere. An absolutely INVALUABLE skill for a healthy lifestyle vs. living from a drive thru.
You keep doing what you’re doing. Your parenting is an inspiration. :o) ~Becky
My 5 year old daughter, 6, next month, would love to join. She hasn’t sewn much, yey, but is ready to start. Thank you for the inspiring story.
Whoo Hoo Nora!! (insert fist pump here!!) seeing that block gives my heart such joy.
Way to go Nora! Your mom is such an inspiration to us all! WTG Mom!
Amy, I have a 7-year old granddaughter that would love to learn how to sew. Would your kinder-bee class be appropriate for her? What do you charge for this class and how do I sign her up?
Thanks for your prompt reply. Carlene T. Shaffer
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