Nellie"s Needles

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Monroe Sews

Six-year old great-nephew, Monroe, visited the cottage with his family in mid-August. Two summers ago he was intrigued with my sewing machines. Back then I had let him push the button to cut the threads and lift the needle at the end of seams and had told him he could sew something the next time he came.  Over a period of several days  this summer I had the fun of guiding Monroe in a sewing adventure that took place during afternoon quiet times. We began with this box of fabrics reserved for kid projects.
Monroe spent the first afternoon sorting through them to pick out his favorites to make a quilt for his teddy bear. He only needed twelve, but couldn't let go of a thirteenth piece.

I cut his choices into squares while he went to the beach. The next day he arranged them for the quilt top and we decided a pillow could be made from the extra one.


In the picture above Monroe is getting two blocks ready to sew together. I set up my 50 year old Pfaff ... a good solid machine with basic features that are easy to comprehend, plus a slow speed that is easier to control than my newer machines. He quickly learned how to operate it. Over the next couple of afternoons he stitched all the squares together as well as the quilting lines across the the squares. He also sewed and stuffed the pillow.

Monroe asked if his creation could be a sleeping bag rather than a quilt. Here's the front ... complete with the stuffed pillow that stays in place with velcro ...
 and the back ...
Of course we had to see how the bear liked his sleeping bag outside.


16 comments:

Sue Spurlock said...

a perfect place to sleep for little bears or people

darcey said...

Aaaah, bless his little heart. The look on his face is so happy and proud. Way to go Nellie.
Darcey
xxoo

Heather said...

I see that the future of quilting is safe in your family's hands Nellie! Monroe's teddy's sleeping bag is amazing, and he looks justifiably proud of his achievement.

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

Aren't these the best times!
My oldest grandson is 16. When he was 6 I did craft shows..a little bit of a lot of different things. When I would sit down to paint, I would give him paint and clothes pins to turn into little men we then stuck on the Christmas tree. One of my fondest memories.

Colleen Kole said...

What fun you had with the kids this past summer. He is very proud of his new creation!

Beverly said...

How cool, the look of accomplishment on Monroe's face is priceless. What a fun way to spend long summer days!

Vicki W said...

Brilliant! It's so much fun to watch kids discover sewing.....or anything creative for that matter!

Amy Munson said...

My son is very intrigued with my sewing machine. I may just swipe the project idea for him. Thanks.

Kim Hambric said...

Wonderful and adorable. A great experience for grandmother and grandson. And bear.

Elaine Adair said...

Toooo dear! Love his satisfied look now that bear is warm and cozy with a sleeping bag of his own.

p said...

you look absolutely angelic and beautiful sitting there with him, and that little teddy bear sleeping bag is adorable

Debra Dixon said...

Heartwarming--makes me miss my boys.

Noga Malachi said...

Good work! Both of you...

Rian said...

That is so special. Monroe is adorable and the little sleeping bag is VERY cool!

Kay said...

What an adorable little guy! I love to see little boys sew! i gave my grandsons an explanation of how they sewing machine works last time the were here. Soon I hope they can use it too.

Barbara Strobel Lardon said...

Okay what is cuter the teddy bear in the sleeping bag or your grandson Monroe?

This little story would make an adorable children's book!