Teaching Kids to Sew

What I like to do best of all is to teach kids how to sew. They are like sponges. The soak up the information really quickly. They are always eager to try new ways of doing things. They are not afraid of handling the sewing machine. Most kids are ready to jump right in and start sewing. Often I have to settle them down and teach them that they must first learn the basics. I love the creativity and willingness to try new things.
Some people still think that kids can't learn how to sew because they are too young to understand it all. I learned to sew when I was 10 years old and I loved it. Now some of my students are 8 years old. When I taught sewing at Joann's in Fayetteville, Georgia, I had a student who was 7 years old. She couldn't reach the foot pedal. We had to put a phone book under the pedal.

Teaching

Teaching others to sew is very rewarding. I have been teaching sewing for over twenty years. I teach mostly kids. They are always eager to learn and they have fun learning about fashion and the numerous techniques. Kids like to see finished projects. When I first introduce them to sewing; I have them make some thing small like a stuffed animal. Beginners always start by learning hand sewing techniques. Then they move to the sewing machine.
The reason why I start them out with hand sewing is because they will at some time in their sewing adventures have to sew something with needle and thread. Some of the kids are anxious to get on the sewing machine. However, there is so much to learn to operate the sewing machine it takes a lot of time to learn.
Kids love to learn and create. Starting them off with hand sewing gives them a good sense of accomplishment.

Summer Sewing Classes

I am now getting ready for my sewing classes for June and July. I will be teaching kids classes and doing a couple of week long sewing camps. I plan to teach classes at Hancock in Montgomery, Al. The classes will be posted on the Hancock website as soon as I can complete the schedule.
I am also scheduled to teach a kids sewing camp at H. Councill Trenholm State Technical College Continuing Education on July 21-25.
As more and more young people become interested in sewing; I am excited to be involved in teaching classes. I love to teach others to sew.
www.hancockfabrics.com
www.trenholmtech.cc.al.us