Gemma is six and she has been hand sewing for a few years, but she recently received a Scrappy Phoebe kit and began sewing on the sewing machine too. Gemma described her start in sewing, "I have been sewing with a needle since I was four, mostly sewing around designs like ducks or apples on Mom's cotton fabric and then framing it."

"When I received the Learn to Sew kit I used the machine for the first time."

"I liked how fast the machine was BUT I was scared I would sew my fingers! Sometimes I let my brothers push the pedal, that was bad.

"Mom helped me with the curved arm and neck but I sewed all the straight parts, I even sewed on the trim .

"I also got lots of help from four of my sisters but I designed all the dresses, I loved that."

Scrappy Phoebe was renamed Emily and her wardrobe quickly grew.

One night before bed, Gemma decided Emily needed a nightgown.

"I asked Mom for some soft fabric. I wanted to make a nightgown. Then I picked pink ric rac. Pink is my favorite! Then I wanted the skirt to be longer for a nightie. Mom said to use a ruler to make the sides of the pattern longer, but I just wanted to use my hand. It worked out!"

Now that Gemma has figured out the the basic dress pattern that comes with the kit is only the beginning, she has plans for some new additions to sew even more for Scrappy Emily.

"I want to make doll dresses that match my dresses and I want to make long sleeves on the dresses so my doll will not be cold."