Toddler Egg looks at her box before climbing in for her journey to Wayland. Not such a big trip, but she is excited to meet the little girl who looks like her.
Toddler clothes
Of course the fun of making a toddler version of Egg was making toddler clothes...
Teaching a Child to Sew, The Launch of a Series
When I was a child I tried to teach my younger sister to sew. I have gone on to teach all three of my children, a few nieces, a few children of friends and a brownie troop to sew. There is almost as much of a learning curve to teaching sewing as there is to sewing.
This post is a first in a series about teaching children to sew. The very first post will be about what to think about when introducing sewing to your child--some thoughts before you begin (or end in frustration).
1. Start with hand sewing. Hand sewing is a better way to introduce the basic concepts of sewing, ie securing thread, right sides together, what is a seam, undoing mistakes, etc... than the machine. Understanding how to work a sewing machine is a whole separate mastery that should be learned after a child understands the basics of sewing.
2. Although a child can learn to sew at any age, and each child is different, ages 6-9 is often a great time. They are young enough to still be keen on mastering new skills, not old enough to think, I'll never be good at this. It is also an age when they still play with dolls and stuffed animals, which brings me to my next suggestion...
3. Doll clothes are a great way to start. When the project is done, the child has something they want. Unlike pillows, doll clothes require a number of sewing skills. You can start with a simple dress that just requires seaming and basic hemming and build from there. Through doll clothes your child will also learn the basics of garment construction, which will naturally lead into sewing clothes for people.
Next: The very first sewing skills to teach.
Egg grows, just a little
I have just finished my second custom Toddler Egg. Below is one of the two toddlers. She is a little taller, slightly less babyish than Baby Egg, but with the same sweet cuddliness a baby brings. Stand by for some toddler clothes, equally as fun.
Off to his new family
My first boy doll was only here for a few days. He is off now to enjoy his new family.
Boy Doll Clothes
I have always loved making doll clothes, but over the years have only made a handful of boy doll clothes. I forgot how fun boy doll clothes are. It's a cleaner leaner style of sewing and I love the change in palette and texture choices.
It's a boy!
I've been working on two custom boys. Here's a sneak peak of the first one.
Fancy Nancy is off to her new family
Good-bye Fancy Nancy! I know you will love your new home!
Egg goes to the Hospital
Egg is off to the hospital. Although she has her own hospital gown, hospital bracelet and IV bag, she is mostly going to be a good friend and share the experience with a brave little girl. Going to the hospital for children and their parents is a bit of a scary time (we've experienced this more than once recently). Children don't like being poked with needles and IVs and their parents worry about the medical issues and their child's happiness and comfort. So Egg is hoping she can help everyone just a little bit.
