Sewing Together : :

Ever since I began sewing back in March, my kids have shown a real interest in wanting to learn, too. I let them play with the different stitches on scrap fabrics, help me wind my bobbins, and even press the pedal from time to time when I am working on a project. They have made a few little simple pouches to hold their cards or change, but that's about it. They are always asking to use my fancy, designer fabrics....um, no (well, not yet anyway :).... but, they are definitely ready and wanting to take that next step.

So, on a rainy afternoon this past week, we came up with this fun little sewn paper garland project. {The photos are dark, because the day was so very dark --- but this was too fun not to share, the kids really enjoyed it and were SO proud they were sewing.}

Here is what we did : :

First, we used some of our favorite scrapbooking paper and large paper punches to cut out their shapes. Super easy, even for my little 3 year old to do, as she would say "All by my big self." 

I recommend paper that has a print on both sides (although we used both.)

Be sure to leave a long tail at the beginning and the end to hang your garland when it's finished.

My job was to "help" feed in each punched paper piece, one right after the next.

My children controlled the pedal...slow and steady (and such a great way for them to get comfortable with it.)

And, once my oldest did, he insisted he could do it all by himself...he was right!

I explained to them that we needed to start small at first then build into our bigger ideas as we learn... 

Project by project, step by step, slow and steady, together.