Resources for Parents of Young Sewists
How you can support your young sewist at home:
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Skills that are helpful to know:
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Threading a needle, without (instructions start at :20) and with a threader
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Tying a knot at the end of a length of thread - There are two common ways of doing this - wrapping thread around the needle or rolling the knot off the end of your finger.
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Sewing a running stitch
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There are a lot of online tutorials. We like Sarah's Hand Embroidery.
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Ask Hannah and Bonnie if you need guidance with any of these skills. We are happy to help!
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Cut out or help cut out fabric pieces for your child’s project. Using fabric scissors makes this much easier.
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Have a dedicated “sewing toolbox” for your child. Here are some suggestions for what to put in it:
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fabric scissors (label these “fabric” so no one accidentally uses them for paper!)
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hand sewing or embroidery needles (size 24 or large eye)
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Straight pins and/or Wonder clips
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small embroidery hoop - we recommend 6 - 7”
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a few colors of 100% polyester all-purpose thread
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yarn or embroidery floss (for kids, we like pearl cotton size 8)
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Fabric or fabric scraps - these can be fabric purchased from a fabric store or fabric you have cut from old sheets, pillowcases, or clothes
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If you have space in your home, encourage your child to have a dedicated area for sewing. If you don’t have space (many of us don’t!), help your child to keep their sewing supplies in a special box that they can take out and carry easily.
Local Sewing Resources
Fairfield Public Library:
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Check out their events calendar for their Wednesday night sewing classes with Jen Butler and their monthly Saturday meetings with the American Sewing Guild.
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Look into their Creativebug videos. These high-quality, informative, and fun videos can teach you all aspects of sewing and embroidery.
Local Sewing Supplies
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Joann’s in Milford, CT
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Hobby Lobby in Milford, CT
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Walmart in Milford, CT
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Michael’s in Westport and Bridgeport, CT
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Thrift stores:
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Savers in Orange, CT
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The Store at First Church in Fairfield, CT
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Carousel Thrift Shop in Southport, CT
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Online Sewing Supplies