Kids everywhere discovering the wonder and joy found in simple needle and thread. And while sewing offers lots of benefits for children it nurtures creativity, cognitive ability, coordination, and confidence and is a skill they ll use their whole lives kids know that it s just plain fun." "

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Authors Amie Petronis Plumley and Andria Lisle teach a sewing camp inTennessee that has earned praise from delighted children and parents. When families clamored for more, Plumley and Lisle launched a blog, sewingschool.blogspot.com, to rave reviews. Now, they ve channeled the best of their children s sewing projects into this lively, how-to sew book for ages five and up.

Featuring 21 inspired projects for young sewers," Sewing School" allows kids to create fabric masterpieces with minimal supervision. All projects have been kid-tested, most can be made using simple hand stitches, and all can be embellished with personal touches. To further inspire young crafters, the book is full of photos and quotes from real boys and girls who have participated in the authors sewing camp.

Projects include items that children can hug (pillows, doll, blanket), hold (wallet, tote, drawstring pouch), give as gifts (coasters, glasses case, pot holder), and wear (sleep mask, hat, cuffs). Each project features step-by-step instructions written at a second-grade reading level, a close-up photo of every step, and a photo of the finished project. The book includes full-sized cutout patterns and instructions for how grown-ups can help. "

For kids who have mastered hand sewing, machine sewing opens up exciting new possibilities With Sewing School 2, children ages 7 and up can make 20 creative projects as they develop their machine sewing skills. With plenty of photos and step-by-stepinstructions written in kid-friendly language, young sewists can work independently and at their own pace. While creating projects that range from a secret message pillow and a water bottle holder to wall pockets, a zippy pouch, and even a fabric guitar and microphone, beginners will learn how to thread a sewing machine, how to use different fabrics and patterns, and why and when to use a particular stitch. "Make It Yours" suggestions offer ways for kids to personalize their projects, resulting in unique items that will be loved and treasured for years to come.

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Using dynamic how to photos and step-by-step instructions written for ages 8 to 12, Amie Petronis Plumley and Andria Lisle teach a variety of techniques using both hand and machine sewing. The 15 projects range from decorative to practical, including an appliqued family crest wall hanging, a patchwork pet bed, a crazy quilt journal cover, and a quilt made from recycled T- shirts. Every project features encouraging suggestions for making truly one-of-a-kind items that express the creative spirit of each young maker.