Boys who Sew

Boys 1 and 2 have been mithering for ages to have a go on my sewing machine. I’d thought that having all boys and no girls meant that I would never be able to sew with my children, but my boys have proved me wrong! Anyway, a few weeks ago we got our act together, decided on a project for each of them and ordered the stuff.

Boy 1 decided to make a cushion, inspired by one that I had made for their room (and which will be featured in next month’s Sewing World, I can’t wait!). He raided my fabric horde and chose all the bits himself. I helped him cut out the main cushion pieces as my scissors are not very sharp, due to Somebody using them to cut paper <rage!!!>. Boy 1 cut out the other bits himself, pinned them and sewed them on. The cushion has an envelope back, so nice and easy for a first attempt.

Boy 2 wanted to make himself a pair of trousers. We opted for trackie style trousers, mainly because, apart from school trousers, they are the only kind he will wear. He chose himself some fabric but when I looked at patterns, I couldn’t believe how expensive they were! As children are an easy shape when it comes to making clothes, I decided that it would be a useful lesson to teach Boy 2 how to make a pattern from clothes that he has already.

We drew around a pair of his trackers, adding a bit extra for a seam allowance. I cut out the pieces and Boy 2 sewed them up. Being trackies and therefore baggy and having an elasticated waist, it doesn’t’t matter that his sewing is not entirely straight.

I’m very happy that I have boys who sew! It’s not that weird surely? Patrick Thingy from the GBSB must have started somewhere, and so must have all the other Savile Row tailors.

They’ve got the bug now and they want to make more things. Next they’re going to make box purse pencil cases and I’ve given them the task of making drawstring bags to contain some of the mess that’s upstairs, so useful too!