Creative Hands: Slow Down and Sew The Roses!

When I was a child, way back before the days of Project Runway and Fashion Star, I would pretend I was a famous fashion designer and spent my summers sewing hideous Barbie outfits from my mom's polyester fabric scraps. I  loved making designer felt coats for my stylin' dachshund Gunther and hair scrunchies in every color to match my socks.  

I grew up in the middle of nowhere in Rural New Jersey... Yes it still exists...  trust me... and its really pretty. I just didn't see it at the time because we had to drive over an hour to get to the closest mall. 

Fortunately,  I had very artsy fartsy parents who taught me to sew and create at an early age. They had me in art classes and camps that taught me valuable creative skills and more importantly, the ability to entertain myself for hours at a time.

To me, sewing was about more than just creating that pair of one of a kind neon pajama pants to show off at school the next day. It was about my ability to finish something that was all my creation. It kept me busy and it kept me happy. 

Sewing also taught me about colors and patterns... to appreciate good quality fabrics and workmanship. From sewing I learned that the best things can't be rushed and that patience is so important.. especially if you want both legs to turn out the same length on your pants.  

Now, don't get me wrong...I'm not a professional seamstress by any means, but I have always been able to whip up that one of a kind gift for a friend and sew my annual Halloween costume that makes my neighbors think I'm crazy. My husband and friends often ask me to fix their rips and tears and sew on scout badges. I love that my hobby lets me do something nice for others and doesn't cost me a dime.  

The truth is that sewing forces me to relax and focus on something I enjoy when other things in life get stressful. Sewing helps build up my self esteem. If I'm having a bad week, a quick Saturday evening project can make me feel like I've accomplished something with my day. It may not happen often when life gets busy with work and kids but when it does, it helps to build me back up.  Think about how that could help your pre teen daughter! 

It may seem a little old school to some but sewing is really is an important life skill that offers so much to kids today. In this age of Velcro and instant everything, some don't even know how to tie knots or cut circles in middle school. Being able to replace a button is empowering for girls and boys at any age. Its not about being girly or making dresses. Its about fixing a backpack in college or sparing that favorite pair of pants that need a mend instead of trashing them. Its about being resources instead of wasteful. 

As I taught my sewing class after school at Westchase Elementary today, I realized just how much our kids need a skill like sewing in their lives.... to SLOW DOWN.. even for just a few minutes. They are so wound up with activities and school stress and popularity... its so nice to teach them something that gives them pride in what they can DO. Through sewing, they learn to take their time, to be careful and show self control and patience if they want a nice finished project. They learn to express themselves creatively and value the uniqueness of their work and that of others.  Those are good skills for all of us, boys included. 

To get started, kids need minimal supplies really. A small box with needles, a few threads and scissors will do the trick. Don't be overwhelmed by all the doo dads at the craft stores. You can find it all at Walmart and a few simple felt pieces or fabric scraps are all you need to get them started.  If you are clueless about sewing yourself, don't worry,  there are classes at Joann's and around town, including independent teachers like myself at Ric Rac Rabbit. I often teach the kids to use upcycled and recycled materials to create fun new things so they learn that sewing doesn't have to be an expensive hobby. 

If you'd like some ideas, inspiration or more information on my classes and birthday parties, please feel free to email me anytime at lauraeassa@gmail.com or visit my blog http://www.ricracrabbit.com.