passing on my skills
James also had a manicure (as did Alistair). Snow days are fun. |
There comes a point during snow days and snowy weekends when boredom sets in. Alistair was fed up with the snow on Saturday of the now historic snow week and he wanted to play a game or two. I wanted to sew. We compromised in the middle, I showed Alistair how to sew. He loved it. Meanwhile James was doing community work with Richard, clearing snow from the back lanes that go down to the school.
I let Alistair use my fancy Janome machine, the one with 99 stitches of which I only use three or four. He tried many, just whizzing about with a piece of fabric. Needless to say that I didn't get any sewing time myself. When James came in, he wanted to learn, too. It was a bit late by then, dinner was ready and an early bedtime was in order. On Sunday morning, two little boys were desperate to sew. I often feel guilty for ignoring pleas to do things with the boys and I thought to myself that it would be fun. More fun in any case than playing with plastic dinosaurs.
I set up a sewing workshop on the dining room table. I am going to make an admission here that makes me blush. We have three sewing machines, two of which are mine (and I am not even counting the overlocker). I have my workhorse Janome that my mum bought me years and years ago. When the Stitchery closed in Glasgow, I purchased one of their more simple computerised Janome machines for a bargain price. I thought it would be useful for Annie. She has an entry level non computerised machine that she never uses because she can't control the speed. I never quite understood what the problem was but I was hoping she would enjoy sewing more with the Janome one. She showed no interest in the new machine. Anyway, we were going to donate her own machine to school but they have recently invested in some new machines and didn't need it... so here we are, spoilt for choice. James took to the mechanical sewing machine like a duck to water. I am glad it finds some use.
After some playing around with stitches, I thought the boys might like to actually make something. I have one single magazine subscription, the Taproot magazine. It is add free and full of fun and interesting stuff. I don't entirely subscribe to the Taproot philosophy of life but on the whole I enjoy the magazine and of course also Amanda Blake Soule's blog (Soulemama). She is one of the editors of the magazine. In the creative section of the last magazine (Hearth), I saw patchwork potholders that I figured would be easy to make for James and Alistair. I had a few strips of fabrics left from James' quilt, which we used. Each boy made two of these, which I then finished up with dark red leftover bias binding I found buried in my box of notions.
There has been not a day this week when Alistair didn't ask to sew. Time is so precious during the week, so much homework, outdoor play, clubs and evening work (me, not the boys) that it didn't happen. I made a promise that I would make something with him, and James if he wanted to. We'll see if he reminds me.
In the meantime, have a lovely weekend all. I am going to do very few chores and plenty of fun things. That's the plan anyway. Thanks for stopping by and saying hello. xx
Well done you, no doubt they loved that. Good job you have enough sewing machines for one each, if it takes off you will at least be able to have one for yourself! I love the sound of Taproot magazine, I didn't know you could get subscriptions here. It's amazing that it's ad-free, a really wonderful achievement I think. Hope you're having a good weekend. CJ xx
ReplyDeleteHow lovely that they wanted to have a go at sewing, the potholders look great. I always find it really satisfying when my girls take an interest and want to have a go at something that I enjoy. Have a lovely weekend. Jxx
ReplyDeleteThey did well with their pot holders, they look great. It's good that they're interested in what you do and have a go themselves. I have taught the teens to knit many years ago. My husband has been known to read tricky parts of a pattern out. I figured it wouldn't do any harm for them to learn too. Cathy x
ReplyDeleteThis is so lovely! Pot holders are such a good project for teaching others to sew.
ReplyDeleteI think that is brilliant that the boys wanted to learn, long may it last. The potholders looked impressive and are certainly usable which is always a bonus.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful, I'm so glad they're interested in learning to sew. The potholders are beautiful, very nice work!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful mother you are to teach your boys to sew! And just think, they will always remember this day each time they see and use the potholders. These are the things memories are made of. I hope you make more things with them. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
ReplyDeleteWell, they are already more accomplished at sewing that I am! The potholders look great, I'm really impressed for a first creation! How lovely that they are so keen to learn.
ReplyDeleteA fantastic thing! When I was at school, all year 7/8 boys and girls were taught to sew (11-13 year olds). My nearly 20 year old, used to sew his own pj pants when he was 11/12. They are still kicking around on the youngest. It's a great skill to have. PJ pants are easy for them.
ReplyDeleteI think it lovely that your boys want to sew and I'm sure seeing their finished pot holders must be so rewarding.
ReplyDeleteAwww that's great and their projects arr fab. I would love to tesch my daughter to knit. I tried once but we both lack patience, however as she is a little older now will try again sometime. You hsve inspired me to get my sewing machine out xxx
ReplyDeleteThat's cool and a good skill. I am 70 and have never sewn. I hang my head.
ReplyDeleteChristina, that is awesome! I bet they felt awesome making something of their own (my daughter's favorite phrase is "I can do it myself!") and it is memorable time spent together. The Great Mom Award goes to you!
ReplyDeleteTotally love it! My mantra for sewing with my girls is 'never offer but never refuse' That way they are really engaged in the activity if they have asked to do it themselves. Heidi has just made a fabulous wrap skirt which she asked to do before bedtime for two nights. It was a success because it was driven by her. The downside is you lose some sewing time but it feels sooooo good. Jo x
ReplyDeleteI love this post. Our granddaughters are coming to visit for two weeks this summer and I'm working on ideas to keep us having fun together and making some sweet memories to remember.
ReplyDeleteYou are the best Mom in the world. I love that the boys had manicures and learned to sew. Of course they would love the machine, it has a pedal and it goes full speed! My older boys always had one toe polished when they were little, they felt special and wanted to be a bit like me, although I had them all polished. I hope Little Buddy wants to sew and crochet, I'll teach him as soon as he shows and interest. Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteIt's lovely that they want to sew and you've found the time to do this with them... and what fabulous results too! It's times like this that make memories... although my eldest says he has no recollection of me teaching him to knit! I love the concentration on James's face as he sews. Love the manicure too!
ReplyDeleteoh wow... that is so cool. Nicely done boys!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.henatayeb.blogspot.com
That's so great that you're passing your sewing skills on to your sons. I wish I knew how to sew.
ReplyDeleteSo wonderful! I love that your boys were interested in sewing, and they made such beautiful and useful creations.
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