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Thursday, November 12, 2009


Music to my ears.

I have had my sewing machines out on the kitchen table lately doing some baby gifts and teaching some of the YW to sew. My machines usually sit in my "Craft Cave" in the basement.

Yesterday Caroline saw them and said, "Mom I want to learn how to sew".
That was it, the world stopped. I didn't care about the half made soup on the stove, the messy house - nothing at the point mattered but her words.

We stacked two boxes on the floor so that her foot could reach the pedal and I sat down with her and had her sew drawn lines on a few sheets of paper. Then we went to the "cave" and dug out some fabric and I handed her a pair of scissors and said, "cut away my friend, cut away"

She cut squares, strips and even circles. Then she just started sewing. I taught her how to lift the presser foot, back stitch, put the need down, bring the needle up, use the cutter on the side - she did it all.

She said, "oh I wish everyone in my class could see me right now"

I realize that most parents feel this kind of joy when their kids do well on a test, learn to read or make the honor roll, but my joy is found in hearing my girls say "I want to learn how to..." and then doing it. She ran in from school today and sat back down at the machine and sewed and sewed. She made a darling fleece case for Jeff's "blueberry" (that is what she calls his blackberry)

Ahh the joys in the mind of a creative mother.

17 comments:

Michelle Alley said...

I love it when they say they want to learn something and then just follow through. Lately at our home, it's been more along the lines of skateboarding - not sewing! She is doing an excellent job - what a cutie! I would have to say I would be a bit nervous - or the mom standing over her saying "oh" "careful"! How do you stay so calm when that needle is so close!?

Jill said...

How wonderful that she wanted to learn and that you dropped everything to teach her!

My mom is teaching Whitney to sew, and I'm so glad because it bugs me that she didn't really teach me when I was young enough to learn without being a brat about it (i.e., teenager like).

amy gretchen said...

your machine looks huge compared to her. so cute.

when my kids ask to learn something i love to do, it does feel like the world stops.

Anonymous said...

This is SOOO great. I am going through this with Mya right now and it is totally music to my ears and things are being put off to indulge her. Love it!

{natalie} said...

i love this post. i feel the same way when my Addi wants to sit on my lap when I'm sewing. She's 3 now and I hope she remembers me always creating something.

wende said...

YAY what a happy day! the sewing machine was whirring under my fourteen year old's hands yesterday. i was thinking to myself, 'oh i love that sound!'

Sharon said...

Awesome, and that you caught the time with pictures makes it even better.

Price Cream Parlor said...

That is precious! What great photos!!! What a gift to teach your little. Let's hope that your littles have as much joy and zest for all things creative like you!!!

Charity said...

I Love it! Photo please of her first project...a blueberry case...classic!

michelle said...

I love this! How great is it that you dropped what you were doing to teach her?! And I'm so glad you got photos.

Anonymous said...

Oh if only Mrs. Melton could see her legacy carry on! Love, Sandra Schettler-Payne

crystal said...

Oh my gosh, Kristi, you are the best mom in the world! I just know I would've said, "Later." I would have meant it, and tried to get her to learn later, after all MY stuff was accomplished...but she would have lost the mood.

You reminded me to listen today to my children!

(and to get my darn sewing machine out...good winter project, to sew with my girls!)

LOVE you right now! Thanks.
xoxo

Marla said...

what a wonderful sight!

Unknown said...

I love this story! I have been nervous about letting Georgia try sewing on the machine, but I think it might be time!!
missy

Denise said...

I grew up in Denver and have since moved back to raise my family here. We've lived here for almost 21 years. I can point you to some great hairdressers, grocery stores, malls, fabric stores, etc. in the west end of town! (Not to mention we have Hobby Lobby stores--do you have that where you live now? You'll wonder how you ever lived without one nearby).

mimi said...

Kristi, this is such a heart warming story. To see 6 year old Caroline sewing on your machine is so precious. She has just been waiting her turn, and you made the most of the moment. She will always be grateful to you for taking the time to teach her what you know. You can now foster what talents the Lord gave your children so they can shine.

Meg said...

I think it is so awesome you let her learn!
Sewing is such a great skill and while I can sew, I wish it had been my mom who taught me, not my friend's mom. My mother never ever let me touch her machine.

You rock!