Today I want to share the highlight of my week, Haila's and my first sewing session! A few weeks back I had posted on her sewing themed birthday party, where she received her very own Janome. Since then we've been waiting, impatiently, for the right time to begin. For an hour or two that her and I could have just for the two of us to tackle her first project together. Because she's so interested in making quilts, we decided a simple quilted 14" pillow would be a great place to start!
These are the snapshots I shared on my Instagram the night of our pillow making!
She chose a pretty Floressence floral print from my stash and I helped her use my rotary cutter, ruler, and mat set up to trim it to about a 16" square. We ironed the fabric to a piece of HeatnBond Fusible Fleece, she picked out two spools of Aurifil for her quilting and she was ready to go!
Although she has a machine of her very own, for now, being the overly cautious mama that I am, I'm having her use my Janome with the speed control set very slow! As she became more comfortable, I adjusted the speed to be a little quicker. In the beginning, in an effort to keep her quilting stitches straight, she would rock her work back and forth. It was all nerves! It took her repositioning her hands several times before she found what felt best for her to guide the piece through the needle. She did great! Other than working on relaxing and feeling comfortable & confident, at the end of each quilted stitch line she would press the automatic thread cutter button too soon before easing her foot off the pedal. This drove me a little crazy at first, but then I asked her to take a breath at the end of each stitch line before she was allowed to push the button and that totally worked! By the time she was halfway through with her quilting I was behind her trying not to giggle out loud at the sound of her taking so many deep breaths!
After the pillow top was quilted, I trimmed it to a 14.5" square while Haila chose her backing fabric, a pretty Coral Essex Linen. She hemmed her two back pieces by herself with my guidance and did a great job! When we pinned the backing fabrics to the pillow front with right sides facing, no matter how I was explaining it, she couldn't wrap her head around this part. After she sewed a 1/4" from the outer edge all the way around, I clipped the corners, and as she turned the cover out, YES, she got it!
Listening to her excitement during the making and seeing how proud she is with her finished pillow cover is absolutely as good as it gets!
Since she has her heart absolutely set on giving this one to her school teacher, we plan to make a second, identical pillow for her to keep. Then I think a simple, quilted tote bag will be up next!
Do you have any project suggestions?
This was such a perfect beginning for the both of us!! ♥ Maureen
These are the snapshots I shared on my Instagram the night of our pillow making!
She chose a pretty Floressence floral print from my stash and I helped her use my rotary cutter, ruler, and mat set up to trim it to about a 16" square. We ironed the fabric to a piece of HeatnBond Fusible Fleece, she picked out two spools of Aurifil for her quilting and she was ready to go!
Although she has a machine of her very own, for now, being the overly cautious mama that I am, I'm having her use my Janome with the speed control set very slow! As she became more comfortable, I adjusted the speed to be a little quicker. In the beginning, in an effort to keep her quilting stitches straight, she would rock her work back and forth. It was all nerves! It took her repositioning her hands several times before she found what felt best for her to guide the piece through the needle. She did great! Other than working on relaxing and feeling comfortable & confident, at the end of each quilted stitch line she would press the automatic thread cutter button too soon before easing her foot off the pedal. This drove me a little crazy at first, but then I asked her to take a breath at the end of each stitch line before she was allowed to push the button and that totally worked! By the time she was halfway through with her quilting I was behind her trying not to giggle out loud at the sound of her taking so many deep breaths!
After the pillow top was quilted, I trimmed it to a 14.5" square while Haila chose her backing fabric, a pretty Coral Essex Linen. She hemmed her two back pieces by herself with my guidance and did a great job! When we pinned the backing fabrics to the pillow front with right sides facing, no matter how I was explaining it, she couldn't wrap her head around this part. After she sewed a 1/4" from the outer edge all the way around, I clipped the corners, and as she turned the cover out, YES, she got it!
Listening to her excitement during the making and seeing how proud she is with her finished pillow cover is absolutely as good as it gets!
Since she has her heart absolutely set on giving this one to her school teacher, we plan to make a second, identical pillow for her to keep. Then I think a simple, quilted tote bag will be up next!
Do you have any project suggestions?
This was such a perfect beginning for the both of us!! ♥ Maureen
Way to go! You did an awesome job on that pillow! maybe a rag quilt for her next project?
ReplyDeleteShe got a bunk bed set for her dolls and I decided not to order bedding for it, since she'll be sewing now. I think a set of dolls quilts could be really fun if we leave the backing big enough that she can fold it over for her binding? It's all so exciting!
DeleteHow sweet that she wants to give it to her teacher! That's great. It's hard to teach kids sometimes, but so worth it in the end. She'll always remember this project!
ReplyDeleteI think the delay in starting our first project and her eagerness paid off! She was so engaged and genuinely wants to learn properly how each thing is done. This is going to be be fun!!
DeleteJust so awesome!!
ReplyDeleteIsn't she?! I'm so proud!
DeleteHaila, you did a wonderful job!! Keep on sewing because you have a natural talent. How sweet of you to give your pillow to your teacher. I know she will cherish it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for encouraging her, Toni! I plan to have her read this post and comments after school, she is going to be SO thrilled!! Thanks again!
DeleteWhat an awesome job your daughter did. I bought my granddaughter the same exact machine. And she too made a quilt for her teacher that was having a baby. We used 12" squares. She did a great job and her teacher was thrilled.
ReplyDeleteThat is amazing!!
DeleteVery nice ! Keep going !
ReplyDeleteThanks for encouraging her! I plan to have her read this post after school, she is going to be SO thrilled!! Thanks again!
DeleteHaila, this is a very beautiful pillow you made!! You did an incredibly wonderful job for a first session! You are a very talented girl and I hope we'll see more of your creations in the future!!
ReplyDeleteI've taught little girls to quilt several times (in classes of up to 6). Their ages were from 8-14. There is a split rail fence book by Quilt in a Day that is easy to use. Although, you can draft an easy quilt. Keep the pieces big and seam matching at a minimum. Rail fence, strip quilt, etc. Instead of binding, stitch and turn the quilt like a pillow leaving an opening for turning then stitch the opening closed.
ReplyDeleteOh and we had "crazy driving" quilting so they didn't worry too much about having really straight quilting lines.
ReplyDeleteWoo hoo - great pillow!
ReplyDeleteI got my girls this book for Christmas http://www.amazon.com/First-Quilting-Book-Quiliting-Patchwork/dp/1908170840/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1389284184&sr=8-1&keywords=my+first+book+of+quilting and it has loads of easy projects they are raring to sew xxx
How amazing, my daughter wants to learn but I haven't tried anything with her yet because she is just about to turn 6. What age is your daughter?
ReplyDeleteShe just turned seven and was very ready, I'm glad I waited until now!
DeleteThanks, the last thing I want to do is get her frustrated and then discouraged.
DeleteHow precious! Someday she will be a great sewer/quilter like her mom!
ReplyDeletesuch a lovely cushion! Well done Haila!
ReplyDeleteWonderful job! Such a blessing to have a mom to teach her to sew!
ReplyDeleteHooray for Haila! (And mom!) My daughter just turned 4 and asked the other day if she could "have a turn" on my machine. I told her she had to wait until she was older. I'd better learn to be a better sewist myself if I'm going to be teaching her. :) Thanks for sharing your mother/daughter adventures in sewing.
ReplyDeleteGreat job Haila!
ReplyDeleteShe did just a wonderful job, and she's lucky to have such a great teacher!!
ReplyDeleteShe looks pleased as punch and you mamma must be very happy. Just a thought for a project --a mug rug for the teachers desk?
ReplyDeleteYay for her!! Tell her we think she did an amazing job! How exciting for her and you both :)
ReplyDeleteDefinitely doll quilts!
ReplyDeleteGreat job!! Tell her not to feel bad about that thread cutter. I also have a Janome and I'm always hitting the button too soon. Guess I should start taking a deep breath, lol.
ReplyDeleteHow awesome! You both must be so proud. What a lucky teacher. I think a little hand bag would be great. At some point she'll want an overnight bag for when she has sleepovers with her girlfriends. But I'm getting ahead of myself.
ReplyDeleteAwesome project, Haila! That's a lot of quilting!! You sew, girl!
ReplyDeleteWay to go Haila! You did a FANTASTIC job and your teacher will love it! I can't wait to see what you make next.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great job! Her quilting of the front looks great! I think doll quilts would be a great next step. Teach her to use up her scraps too.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous work from a pretty girl!
ReplyDeleteHaila - You did a wonderful job on this pillow and I just love the fabric that you chose. You have a lot of fun sewing adventures ahead of you. I also think it's wonderful that you want to gift this pillow, your very first creation, to your teacher. You have a kind and generous heart. Last, I have to say I love that kitty is in one of the pictures as if to say " I helped"!
ReplyDeleteShe is adorable, look at those darling teeth! My great grand baby had both removed last week. Her pillow is beautiful, what a great job she did. How about a pillowcase next?? They are easy and give instant gratification...
ReplyDeletewow, great job!! About as good as I do after lots of sewing. SO many ways to go. I would ask HER what she wants to do next. Pillow cases, lap quilt, tote bag, skirts for her to wear with matching head band and little purse... Bless you both! Enjoyed this post very much!
ReplyDeleteWonderful! I remember being this age and begging my grandmothers and great aunts to show me how to knit, sew and quilt. Such excitement - love her smile.
ReplyDeleteHaila, What a beautiful gift you made for your teacher! Your stitching was far better than mine - when will you teach classes? Your pillow was absolute perfection! I can't wait to see what you make next. Your mother is always an inspiration to me and you are an amazing inspiration too! Thank you BOTH for your beautiful work!
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the world of quilting Haila! I see you are already like so many of us that give our projects as gifts. I know your Teacher will be very pleased to receive such a lovely gift. Well done. I look forward to seeing more of your work.
ReplyDeleteGreat job mama! My daughter's first project was an applique heart quilt. We used fusible webbing to attach the hearts and then she used the "fancy" stitches on my machine to go around the hearts. Also, if you come across any coloring books with mazes -- the pages make great practice stitching (with no thread), needle down, turning practice sheets. I used to find simple maze books at the dollar store. It really helped my daughter with learning how to handle the project and turn! As for simple projects, start with mug rugs, doll blankets, puppy toys, draw string bags and pillow cases. I also love that she is giving away her first project! What a generous heart :)
ReplyDeleteWow, great job Haila! Your mom is awfully proud of you, you are lucky to have such a great teacher! I am going to show my little girls these pictures - if they see how nice yours turned out, maybe they'll give sewing a try too!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful work, Haila!! I love your fabric choices and it'll be such a special present for your teacher! Keep it up - sewing is so fun!
ReplyDelete(Maureen - if she's interested in making clothes, the Oliver + S lazy days skirt was my first sewing project and it's free/easy with room to customize!)
pull on elastic waist skirt, add a pocket!
ReplyDeleteas kristin just mentioned above :)
DeleteShe did such a beautiful job!!! P
ReplyDeleteBesides pillows, pot holders and zipper bags are my faves. :)
how darling!!:) my 7 year old girl got her own machine for christmas and she made a simple purse for her father! she was so delighted:) I hope our girls will keep this love for hand made things for ever, as it is such a fabulous thing to do in one's life!
ReplyDeleteBeautifully made pillow and a great early project, I'll definitely be trying that with one of my 2 girls. I've got one who's just a couple of weeks older than Haila, and she's also very recently got extremely interested in sewing. She started out with a Doll's quilt and then made a mini Christmas Tree Quilt just before Christmas (http://wonkypatchwork.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/christmas-tree-mini-quilt.html), now she's having a go at a bigger quilt to snuggle under on the sofa. So far she's loving it all. My younger girl is only 4, but she's very keen too (since she sees her big sister doing it!), so I've done a couple of joint projects with her. The latest one is a different kind of Doll's Quilt that I'm sure my 7 year old will want to do herself in the near future and I bet Haila would like. It's quite simple, easy to do in stages and has lots of room for creativity - http://wonkypatchwork.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/marias-quilt-wip.html. We'll be looking out for all of Haila's future projects with lots of interest.
ReplyDeleteMy 7 year old is learning too. She made a pillowcase to match her comforter and then she pieced a 5' square quilt for her american doll and even helped machine bind it. She is loving it and next wants to make a water bottle cover for her water bottle and a frilly apron for cooking.
ReplyDeleteHaila is pure beauty, and I can't enjoy more seeing her giving her first steps into sewing! xo,
ReplyDeleteGreat job, Haila, your teacher will love that you made it yourself
ReplyDeleteYou are so blessed to have a daughter to sew with!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely lovely! Her pillow is delightful - right from start to finish. Her teacher will treasure it forever, I know.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing first project. Well done, Haila!
ReplyDeleteI recentely purchased a Janome and love the cutter, too.
Patti
My only suggestion is to frame that last picture, Haila is adorable and the pillow she made is beautiful. Also what a good heart to give away her first project.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful mother-daughter time! Brings back memories of my mom teaching me how to use her sewing machine. Thanks for sharing your beautiful daughter's enthusiasm!
ReplyDeletegreat post-luv Haila's pillow-she is a natural!!!!
ReplyDeletehugs to both of you!
thanks for sharing this!
Wow, amazing work, Haila! Just like your Momma!
ReplyDeleteWell done Haila ! I love your pillow, you have the makings of a great seamstress, just like your mama. Keep it up. Can't wait to see more of your work. Oh - very jealous of your Hello Kitty sewing machine. I'm all 'grown up', but I still want one :)
ReplyDeleteI smiled all the way through this. Haila did a fantastic job for her first time, not only in the sewing/quilting, but in picking out fabrics too. Tell her I said well done.
ReplyDeleteThe right sides facing thing took me a while too! I had to consciously think about it for ages before it became automatic. Um, what about a toulet bag or pencil case? Or maybe an iPad or other device cover next? :-)
ReplyDeleteI started sewing in 4H when I was 9. By the time I was in high school, I finished my semester project in one day and assisted Mrs. A by helping the others with their sewing projects. I have a feeling your daughter will be the same way. She is so lucky to have a crafty mom. I know I am!!!
ReplyDeleteAww, she did a fab job!
ReplyDeleteIt's such a joy to see a young girl be so excited about learning to sew & quilt!
ReplyDeleteOhh...beautiful pillow and beautiful daughter!
ReplyDeleteWell, Haila I am impressed! You did great! I'll bet you had a lot of fun and I'll bet your Mom is thrilled to have a partner to sew with. Keep going!
ReplyDeleteAwww... I love that she wants to gift her project to her teacher, and it's fun to see how proud she is. And, I don't blame her about the confusing about right sides together; I think I was 25 before I fully wrapped my mind around that :-)
ReplyDeleteShe did a beautiful job sewing--her quilted pillow is beautiful! I'm sure her teacher will love it :)
ReplyDeleteSo cute! She did a great job. I'm thinking about getting that same machine for my daughter--how do you like it?
ReplyDeleteThis is just awesome and the smile on her fact just says it all. I've recently started sewing with my kids with The Primary Bee I'm hosting and they are having a blast. Seeing the sparkle in their eyes when they finish their project makes it all worth it.
ReplyDeleteShe did such a great job! I love sewing with kids. :-) I have a bunch of free patterns on my site and lots of them are appropriate for kids. BY FAR the favorite in every class I've ever taught has been this Snake Charmers pattern. http://www.shinyhappyworld.com/2011/03/snake-charmers-free-pattern.html I think it's because they get to use the tube turners. :-)
ReplyDeletesew amazing! I truly cannot wait until my daughter can sew. Right now she has to sit on my lap and she just pulls the pins out for me. (she's 3 years old, so she cannot reach the foot pedal)
ReplyDeleteShe is too cute, and did an awesome job on that pillow! I can't wait until my son is old enough for me to teach him a little bit about sewing, he's only 2 but he loves to sit in my lap and watch while I am working :) It makes me a happy mommy, when I finish a seam and he says "yay I helped mama!"
ReplyDeleteThis is just so great. She did such a fabulous job.
ReplyDeleteRandom Question: I am looking at buying a new iron, do you like your Oliso?
Wow, Haila! You did an amazing job.
ReplyDeleteI let my kids use the sewing machine for the first time ever a couple of weeks ago. They are 4, 5 and 7 years old. They sat on my lap and I controlled the foot pedal, and, together with me, they made a simple drawstring bag each. What you have done is so much trickier than that!
Congratulations, your cushion looks beautiful! And congratulations, Maureen, for been so calm and brave and letting Haila do so much by herself :)
Great job! We must teach our offspring how to take care of ourselves. My boys farm.
ReplyDeleteYour topic is very interesting for me to learn and then could be a reference
ReplyDeleteI hope there is an update article, and I can subscribe via email
Thank you! Seo Jepara Jasa Seo Murah
What a great post! She did a beautiful job and I can see how proud she is of her work. I could never get my daughter to sew with me when she was younger so imagine how shocked I was when she was in town last year (now 28 yrs old) and asked if she could take one of my old sewing machines back home with her. She's making things for her home. I so would have enjoyed teaching her when she was little. Enjoy your little girl, she's adorable!
ReplyDeleteThat is the best! I'm so happy you're getting the chance to share your passion with her. I bet it's just the first of many finishes for Haila!
ReplyDeleteI do hope braces are in this child's future.
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