With only one week left until the girls go back to school, I can very safely whisper that this summer has been a conveyour belt of crafty productivity.
It has taken us years to reach this stage, with previous summers being full of the little tykes attempting to sprint before they could crawl when it came to playing with sewing. At last, they can sew all by themselves and I no longer get roped into practically making their projects for them after they give up frustrated by their lack of skill and practise. Yippeee!!
All of the items in this post (apart from the little apples doll and one felt rabbit) were made in their entirety by my girls with very little help from me.
Miss C summed up the general mood last night thrilled by the rush of realising she can sew fabric together and make stuff she can use. The stuff in this case being her new invention - shoulder bags made from 3 charms squares (her own idea) - see pic top left. She. was. elated.
What I love most about kids sewing is the character they inject in their projects, I squeal when I look at the expressions of these little figures above ( all made from projects in the book 'cute stuff').
And these made by C, who knew one eyed cats (yes that is a cat) could be so adorable?
Five weeks full of making needle books, lavender bags, knitting, cross stitching, dolls, handbags, purses and even making a knot in a drinking straw and using it to blow bubbles out of (bottom left above)..............the imagination ran riot.
This is little C's version of a ticker tape quilt, she cut, pinned and is currently stitching this together - I think she has a particular favourite fabric of choice......
So that's me right now, living the crafty dream (for just one more week).
BTW - this post was completely the idea of my daughters because they are convinced you want to see all this stuff they made.
One of the main strategies that kept them stitching this summer was ' mummy, if I finish this will you put it on your blog?'
So if you do feel so inclined please let them know what you think - I'm sure they will log on later to see if anyone has taken a look....
what lovely summer projects ... how fab that your kids can sew such delights ...
Well done girls! ... I love the ticker tape quilt and the bag idea ...
Posted by: Sarah@PingsAndNeedles | 08/30/2011 at 12:53 PM
Of course we want to see your daughters' projects! They did an amazing job. The felt figures are sooo cute! The shoulder bags are great. The ticker tape quilt with the fussy-cut dogs - I love it all!
Posted by: Jackie T | 08/30/2011 at 12:53 PM
girls, you've done an amazing job on all your projects! Such talent so young!
Posted by: wendy | 08/30/2011 at 12:56 PM
So much fun having little girls to sew and craft with! I remember those days well. Enjoy every minute of! Love the projects they are so cute!!
Posted by: Clara | 08/30/2011 at 01:09 PM
What a wonderful job they both have done. The more they sew, the more they'll learn and it will become easier and easier.
Posted by: Caro | 08/30/2011 at 01:12 PM
girls, you are both wonderfully crafty! i have a 9 year old daughter who would love to spend an afternoon crafting right along with you. she also LOVES to post her projects on my blog!
keep up the crafting, girls! :)
Posted by: randi | 08/30/2011 at 01:13 PM
Girls, you did a great job and of course we love to see your projects!
Hildy
Posted by: Hildy | 08/30/2011 at 01:25 PM
What a great job! When my 7 year old sees this it will completely inspire her. She loves hand sewing projects. They did an excellent job. Keep up the creativity!
Posted by: Robin | 08/30/2011 at 01:32 PM
Love to see little girls be creative (little boys too) and love all the things they made! The little animals are my favorite!
Posted by: elsa | 08/30/2011 at 01:42 PM
Luvin' those little stuffed animal, they are so cute...I will have to show my 11 year old daughter to inspire her to do more sewing! Well done girls!
Posted by: Stacey | 08/30/2011 at 01:50 PM
Some terrific stitching girls! Thank you for sharing your projects - they have inspired some creativity in me :) Hugs to you both!
Posted by: Nancy | 08/30/2011 at 02:02 PM
The three charm bag is great! Future Moda Chief?!? I love the felt animals! Great job.
PS Make your mom post all of your projects. We need good kid-to-kid craft ideas. :)
Posted by: Leila | 08/30/2011 at 02:09 PM
I love it all! People pay a lot of money to take classes so that their work can have the wonderful naive quality that, for your girls, comes naturally. I hope they never loose that quality!
Great work, girls! I hope we get to see more!
Posted by: Mary Miller | 08/30/2011 at 02:14 PM
I am so impressed by your knitting! It's extremely difficult to manage knitting needles with little hands. Congratulations on your beautiful progress!!
Posted by: Ruth | 08/30/2011 at 02:15 PM
What great projects, girls!! You are really talented and I'm sure your Mom is very proud of you!!!
Posted by: Judie | 08/30/2011 at 02:22 PM
Just wonderful! All the little dogs in a ticker tape style- perfect, the strawberry, the little bag- great imaginations!
Posted by: kerry | 08/30/2011 at 02:22 PM
I'm so glad your girls are learning that sewing is fun! And the results are darling!
Posted by: Sharrieboberry | 08/30/2011 at 02:34 PM
How lovely they enjoy sewing. Bravo girls great job!
Posted by: Kelly | 08/30/2011 at 02:43 PM
Girls your summer projects are just beautiful! My little girl has had a look and wants to try the felt animals and some of the other projects you have made - Guess what that makes you both? Inspiration makers just like your mum :)
I bet you can't wait for your winter holidays and all the cool things you can both make then! Tell your mum she has to post those ones too so we can all see :)
Posted by: Sarah | 08/30/2011 at 02:45 PM
Great job girls! Those projects are darling! Please keep stitching...we love to see your projects!
Ashley
Posted by: ashley jones | 08/30/2011 at 02:47 PM
How sweet that your girls love crafty things too! :)
Girls - What beautiful projects you've made this summer! Keep on stitching!
Posted by: Jeni | 08/30/2011 at 02:54 PM
Wow what an excellent job they have done on all of their projects. I hope that they will keep on stitching, I would love to have a little granddaughter to teach to sew. I was graced with two little boys but who knows? Girls you get a big A for all of your projects.
Posted by: Sandra Davidson | 08/30/2011 at 03:03 PM
Girls, you all did such a great job! Hmmm now all mommy needs to do is design fabric patterns and the two girls could do all the stitching, sewing and creating! Love the one-eyed cat, too. We all need one of those!
Posted by: Carol | 08/30/2011 at 03:04 PM
My girls are 6 and 8 and I now feel extremely guilty that I haven't been cultivating their creativeness better! I love the little felt animals, they have the best faces!
Posted by: Bronwyn | 08/30/2011 at 03:05 PM
wonderful projects, ladies! i, too, began sewing at a v.e.r.y young age, and am still going strong (at 54 years old).
great projects, and wonderful imaginations -- congratulations to all! keep up the good work!
Posted by: pbach1 | 08/30/2011 at 03:09 PM
Wow ladies!! All the different kinds of projects you've done! They all look fantastic, I love the work so far on the ticker tape, your choice of fabric pieces is awesome! The cute critters and purses are wonderful and I love the bubble idea!
Posted by: SewLindaAnn | 08/30/2011 at 03:22 PM
Kids are such a joy!
Posted by: Tina | 08/30/2011 at 03:37 PM
Oh girls, you have made some wonderful things, even better than some of the things your mummy's friends make - obviously your mum is the best, you are very lucky! Have fun back at school x
Posted by: Flying Blind | 08/30/2011 at 03:50 PM
Ohh Girls!!!! What a talent you've got!!!!
I DO love yr beautiful taste and stitches!
xoxo
Posted by: Paula | 08/30/2011 at 03:50 PM
Girls: You did a great job..and you are right we are loving to see your projects!
Mum: You have to get a 3D frame and put it all together with the year and hang it on your craft room wall...and continue the same every summer holidays. They would really treasure them when they get older.
Posted by: Niamh | 08/30/2011 at 04:06 PM
Wonderfully excellent projects! I love them all!!!
Posted by: Gretchen | 08/30/2011 at 04:07 PM
I am so impressed with your daughter's creations. Good job girls! Could I ask their ages? I hope for the day to sew with my daughter.
Posted by: Alice S | 08/30/2011 at 04:09 PM
oh wow what talented little girls, they will soon have their own crafty blogs I suspect!
xxx
Posted by: lyn | 08/30/2011 at 04:10 PM
Sooo cute!
Posted by: Celly | 08/30/2011 at 04:13 PM
very cute creations! good work, girls!
My son is losing the enthusiasm for sewing he once had, but I do have one quilt he made and it was fabulous...better than my first when I was almost 30! He likes to have his work showcased on ye olde blog, too.
Posted by: Mary | 08/30/2011 at 04:24 PM
What a great job they are doing! They have great talent to follow :) Now I can show my daughter what other girls are doing to help inspire her. Thanks!
Posted by: Melissa | 08/30/2011 at 04:40 PM
They're doing an amazing job! I can't wait until I get to spend my summers crafting with my little girl!
Posted by: Elizabeth | 08/30/2011 at 05:12 PM
It's inspiring to see the charm and beauty of a child's sewing project. While we grown-ups strive for perfectly straight lines and invisible stitches, the photos of your daughters' projects are a reminder how beautiful a heartfelt handmade project can be.
Posted by: Cecelia | 08/30/2011 at 05:15 PM
The girls are right - we love to see the things they make! They are clearly very talented young ladies and I'm sure all their school friends would love to be able to make such nice things - well done!
Posted by: Archie the wonder dog | 08/30/2011 at 05:18 PM
Girls-you are fabulous! I love all of your projects! Be sure to thank your mum for all of her teaching she gave you & for giving you the cutest fabric ever to work with!
Posted by: DianeY | 08/30/2011 at 05:28 PM
Of course we want to see what the girls make! How much fun to have a crafty summer together. I especially love the felt animals. They have character-filled little faces!
Posted by: Holly | 08/30/2011 at 05:48 PM
When I was your girls' age I didn't know anything about sewing...I'm so impressed with their work! Great job!!
Posted by: katielea | 08/30/2011 at 05:50 PM
Lovely, work girls. And greetings from Alabama. Hope you keep these little creations in a time capsule for years to come.
Posted by: Lael | 08/30/2011 at 05:51 PM
Keep up the sewing & creative crafting girls! I want to see more of your creations
Posted by: epban | 08/30/2011 at 05:59 PM
Wow, you are so talented Miss A and Miss C! I'm thrilled to see your beautiful projects and that you have had such a fun summer of crafting and creativity. Big cheers to you both!
Posted by: Zoe | 08/30/2011 at 07:29 PM
Wow, girl, good job!
Posted by: Jenn Hoff | 08/30/2011 at 07:36 PM
Wow girls, you have been busy! Your creations look amazing! One of these days you'll be joining your Mummy in making lots of people on the internet want to make the things you've made :)
Posted by: Reene | 08/30/2011 at 07:58 PM
Your daughters are *so* right. Of course we want to see :)
Posted by: diana | 08/30/2011 at 08:06 PM
What awesome designs! You girls will have your own blog before you know it. think of all the other girls you can teach to sew! You might even make great fabric like mom makes...that would make all of us happy. Very good job! I love all of your projects. You did more than i did this summer!
Posted by: leslie | 08/30/2011 at 08:25 PM
I am impressed! You both have done an amazing job! Thanks for sharing :-)
Posted by: Angela B | 08/30/2011 at 08:47 PM
Adorable projects! They have inspired my 9 year old to give it some thought. Because it has to be her idea, and not mine, I guess...
Posted by: Danielle | 08/30/2011 at 09:01 PM
This is THE BEST Blog post I have read - EVER! Well done girls, your work is lovely & I am inspired to go and do some stitching now. I have the Cute Stuff book too and I just want to make everything in it. THe little ticker tape quilt is going to be fab!
Love & hugs from New Zealand x x x
Posted by: Annie B | 08/30/2011 at 10:16 PM
My daughter started an owl on the weekend at a sit and sew class I attended. The boys were out at footy so we had a day out with just the girls and I told her that we would just do her stuff that day. I drew the pattern for her and cut out the body. She stitched it with her machine and then cut out all its features and now she is halfway through stitching them on the owl body. But she had a ball.
Posted by: amanda | 08/30/2011 at 10:44 PM
That post makes me even more excited for the years ahead with my little girl (currently 14 months)! Thanks for sharing, you must be incredibly proud.
Posted by: mollie | 08/30/2011 at 10:46 PM
girls..you are very talented..and don't forget to keep all these dear little treasures you have made so that you can look back when you are grown up and remember these special days you spent with each other ..i started sewing at a young age too thanks to my mother and it's been a wonderful skill to have even though it hasn't been my career..hugs to you both from melbourne australia
Posted by: teawithhazel | 08/30/2011 at 10:49 PM
Thank you C's for sharing your special summer stitching - I certainly enjoyed it. Keep it up during the school year even at a lesser level so one day you will be as talented as your mum.
Posted by: Mary on Lake Pulaski | 08/30/2011 at 11:48 PM
WOW!!! It has been very fun reading about your craftiness. Your projects are so very wonderful, thanks for sharing!! And, Mom...how very wonderful of you to allow them to be creative by turning over the projects to them. Imagination is a beautiful thing...thanks!!!
Posted by: Debra Masek | 08/31/2011 at 12:00 AM
You have quite the pair of artists there! I'm amazed by how much they've accomplished, and how excellent their work is!
Posted by: Valerie | 08/31/2011 at 12:26 AM
Wonderful sewing! You are lucky to have girls who want to sew and craft. The figures are sew cute, and please show the ticker tape when done. Best, Mary
Posted by: Mary | 08/31/2011 at 12:39 AM
Such wonderful things you've made. I have a five-year-old and love to see what girls around her age, and slightly older, can accomplish. Love your work!
Posted by: Kristin | 08/31/2011 at 01:05 AM
Way to go girls, I wish I had learned to sew at your age, keep up the great work! Enjoy your last days of summer, and have fun at school!
Posted by: Candace | 08/31/2011 at 01:06 AM
Love the stuffies and the ticker tape quilt. Girls, you are amazing. Happy holidays.
Posted by: Mac | 08/31/2011 at 01:33 AM
Ladies, you have done a fantastic job!!! Nothing warms mommy's heart as seeing kids grow up to be good citizens and creative beings. Keep up the hard work and continue to craft, sew and create! I want to see more of your creations on your mom's blog!!!
Posted by: Lucie | 08/31/2011 at 01:52 AM
Girls your projects are ADORABLE! Very creative....I love your mom's fabric too. I will look forward to seeing more posts of wonderful pictures of your lovely handwork.
Posted by: Kristy | 08/31/2011 at 02:37 AM
Girls, you did a very good job with your projects. As time goes on, you will be able to do more and more, and it's fun too. Isn't summer sewing fun?
Posted by: charlotte | 08/31/2011 at 03:00 AM
Tell your girls that I wish that I had made so many wonderful things this summer. They are wonderful.
Posted by: Tamie | 08/31/2011 at 04:27 AM
You should both be super proud of yourselves - at your clever craftiness and your fabulous sewing ability. Love the charm-square shoulder bag, I think I'll steal that idea for my own two daughters! And I do love the little felties from the Cute Stuff book, particularly the little hot pink cat taking a shifty look to the side. And the ticker-tape quilt. Nice work.
Posted by: Catherine | 08/31/2011 at 04:37 AM
Your girls are so clever! Just like their Mum. :-)
Posted by: Georgia | 08/31/2011 at 04:39 AM
Adorable, you cute girls!! Keep up the awesome work.
Posted by: Phoebe | 08/31/2011 at 04:42 AM
I so rarely click through to comment, but your girls should get on flickr and join some swaps -- their stuff is so cute! They are so lucky to have a great mom like you who encourages their creativity!!
Posted by: Safieh | 08/31/2011 at 04:59 AM
You girls are so productive and creative. Love your creations. What fun to craft along side your Mom. Thanks for posting your art.
Posted by: Mary Jo | 08/31/2011 at 05:07 AM
Your girls are absolutely right--we DO want to see their work!
Girls, you've done marvelous work! And you've been crazy productive. Way more than me! ;-) Thank you for sharing all your wonderful crafts. They are all so beautiful--animals and bags and quilts and...WOW!!!
Posted by: Collette | 08/31/2011 at 06:08 AM
Well girls what fabulous work..... I have a little girl who loves sewing too. Do you love looking through mummy's fabrics and buttons like my little girl does? Felt is just so great to use I love those miffy style rabbits. You need to make sure mummy posts more of your projects as they are great to see.
Maybe we should get a children's going so that all those great sewers out there can swap little projects with each other and give each other some inspiration!!
Posted by: Vicky | 08/31/2011 at 06:58 AM
The girls were right - watch out mummy the girls are taking over. Lovely little felties and bags. What busy sewists you young ladies are. Be sure to finish that ticker tape quilt and show us the end product!
Posted by: Nicky | 08/31/2011 at 08:03 AM
I think it is wonderful that your girls are enjoying the art of making their own items. The pride in their work will give them confidence in latter life, and ofcourse sewers always want to see what other sewers are up to.
Posted by: Dianne Murcutt | 08/31/2011 at 08:26 AM
What a couple of excellent crafty girls you are , I love it all .
Especially the cats :)
xxxx
Posted by: Lorraine | 08/31/2011 at 11:47 AM
Such cute felties, truly a blessing to see such fine work from your girls. My little girls are all grown up now...this brought back memories of their sewing days when they were younger...you will always treasure the memories. Thank you for sharing!
Posted by: Tina | 08/31/2011 at 01:37 PM
Girls you are very talented, Love all your projects, keep the creativity flowing...Thank you for sharing your lovely projects : )
Posted by: Maria | 08/31/2011 at 02:02 PM
Your girls rock! Miss C has MAD skills. keep it up. They have an awesome mom.
Posted by: Sissy | 08/31/2011 at 04:12 PM
OMG your daughter's projects totally ROCK!!!! What an awesome way to spent part of the summer. Keep up the GREAT work!!
Dianne
Posted by: Dianne | 08/31/2011 at 06:50 PM
Great job, girls! How awesome that your Mom shares her "toys" with you. Make sure she posts more of your crafty creations again - they are so much fun!
Posted by: Mary Anne | 08/31/2011 at 09:20 PM
Wonderful job, girls! Your crafts are simply wonderful. I can see you have a very good teacher in that mom of yours. I'm so glad that she put them up on her blog!
Posted by: Beth | 09/01/2011 at 12:22 AM
Adorableness! I think you have a few budding crafters on your hands. Well done! :)
Posted by: Kristyne | 09/01/2011 at 12:43 AM
Tell the girls I love looking at all the things they have made with their clever mum's fabric lines, I only have stinky boys at my house so it's just me who likes fabric!
Rebecca (NZ)
Posted by: Rebecca | 09/01/2011 at 01:29 AM
I just had to add a comment.
Well done girls! Your projects are sooo cute. You seem to have your mom's talent.
Fantastic job passing on the baton, Aneela!
I hope my girls take to sewing with as much enthusiasm as your girls.
Posted by: Ute | 09/01/2011 at 02:52 PM
Awesome! Think of the cool things you can now make for each other for Christmas...birthdays! They will be special because you made them. That's special! ;0
Posted by: ina | 09/01/2011 at 04:39 PM
How clever are you girls? CONGRATULATIONS!!!! your projects are so adorable. I am so glad you asked Mum to share your sewing with us.
I am loving the ticker tape quilt Miss C.
Roll on next holidays.
Posted by: Julie | 09/02/2011 at 11:00 PM
Oh I cannot wait until my girls are old enough for sewing with me! Your girls made some great projects. I love that they have the creativity to design their own items!
Posted by: Kimberly | 09/03/2011 at 12:39 AM
This post just warms my heart! The girls have done such wonderful sewing! Can't wait to get a final look at that ticker tape quilt - so adorable. This brings back memories of my sister and I sewing little things when we were little - what big plans we had, and we still love sewing now. I do so hope my daughter (and son) will enjoy doing this stuff also! Please thank your daughters for sharing their beautiful work with us. xo
Posted by: AnneH | 09/04/2011 at 08:50 AM
Oh, my goodness! You girls have done such a wonderful job of sewing this summer! You have great style. Miss C, I think you love dogs, right?
Thanks for sharing your wonderful, wonderful projects! Since you're going back to school, maybe you can make something nice for your teachers.
Posted by: Elnorac | 09/06/2011 at 02:21 AM
Fantastic! This looks like what I hope is my future - with two girls age 5 and 2, I am waiting and hoping and trying to figure out how to give them the tools to get where you have gotten this summer. I love all the little projects!
Posted by: June | 09/07/2011 at 02:40 PM
What talented girls you are. I wish I could sew half as good as you. Your both obviously as talented as your Mum.
patti, usa
Posted by: Patti J. | 09/18/2011 at 08:18 PM
WOW!!
the crafty gene is going strong in your house!
thank you for showing the Summer crafty-ness
....and your little dog print is my favourite too....
Posted by: Christine | 09/24/2011 at 04:26 AM