~ MIDDLE-GRADE NON-FICTION
FEATURE ~
Today I'm featuring a non-fiction sewing book targeting middle grade readers. 'Sewing for Children' by Author Emma Hardy was originally released in 2010. The edition shown below was released in 2017 by CICO Books.
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| Find Out More on Goodreads |
Emma Hardy is one of my favorite sewing book authors. I have read many of her titles, and she doesn't disappoint with this one!
This book is designed for children to learn how to sew by hand, just like so many of us did when we were eight or nine years old. Once these skills and techniques become like second nature, a child can begin to learn how to sew using a sewing machine (with adult supervision) when they are a little older.
The projects in the book are sorted into the appropriate chapter, i.e., 'Animals & Other Creatures', 'Pretty Playthings', 'Fashion Fun', etc. My favorite chapter was 'Pretty Playthings' because it included ragdolls, doll clothes, doll bedding, a miniature toadstool & mice playset, a fabric tea set and felt cupcakes; and I have always loved dolls and miniature playsets.
I think the 'Fashion Fun' chapter would be of high interest to middle grade readers because the projects are spot-on with their appeal to this age group. Embroidered jeans, an applique t-shirt, and a yo-yo necklace would inspire young fashionistas to create their own clothing and accessories while giving each item their own personal touch.
The 'Bags, Books & Bedroom Bits 'n' Pieces' chapter includes some other middle-grade style accessories. Patterns and instructions for several types of bags, a pencil case, a felt book cover, and an applique cushion are provided in the book. These items would make excellent gifts for middle-graders to stitch up for other students, friends, or adults.
The bags would make excellent charity-sewing projects for a local hospital, convalescent home, home for veterans, or homeless shelter. I have observed that many middle grade students are well aware of the world around them and have the desire to help others when and where they can.
I like the instructions the author provides for her sewing basket, pincushions, and needle case projects. These projects will give an aspiring seamstress the opportunity to create her/his own sewing accessories as she/he moves forward on their personal sewing journey. How fun!
Projects especially suited for middle graders to stitch up for younger children, in my opinion, include the dolls with their clothes and bedding, sock monsters, an owl stuffed animal, finger puppets (barnyard critters in this case), fabric tea set with cupcakes, and the pirate and fairy and tiara with wand costumes from the 'Dressing Up Time' chapter.
The stepped-out photos with written instructions for the projects are excellent. Author Hardy's designs are colorful, cute and appealing. She presents an engaging introduction before sharing the projects. A 'Techniques' chapter and templates for the projects are included in the final pages of the book.
Highly recommended for middle grade readers, parents and grandparents, 4-H and scout leaders, temple/church school youth leaders, childcare workers, classroom teachers, and those tweens/teens and adults interested in making a lovely handmade gift for the special children in her/his life.
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COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC' --
-- Monday, February 12th: A
book spotlight, review, author interview, and giveaway with Author
Kathy Ceceri who wrote the middle grade STEAM crafting book, 'Make: Fabric and Fiber Inventions'. The publisher, Maker Media, Inc., is offering one paperback copy to a lucky US winner on my blog!
-- Friday, February 16th: Author Interview and book spotlight about Author SM Ford and her inspirational romantic suspense release, 'Alone'. Stop by to read about Sue's journey as an author and to learn about her book.
-- Wednesday, February 21st: A book spotlight and excerpt from Author Tammy James Hesler's inspirational romance release, 'Mountains of Love: A Novella for the Heart'. Stop by to read about Tammy's inspiring life story and to learn about her novella.
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Have you ever seen Miss Patches Learn to Sew Book? I had a copy for years and years, and it took a while to realize that it was written by the great Carolyn Meyer!
ReplyDeleteHello, Ms. Yingling: Thanks for stopping by . . . I had not heard about the 'Miss Patches Learn to Sew Book' previously. I just added it to my TBR list; I can't wait to read it. I appreciate the recommendation. Best wishes, June
DeleteI have a niece in middle school who loves to sew. I will alert her of this title. Thanks for the review and welcome to MMGM.
ReplyDeleteHi, Greg: Thanks for your message and for adding me to MMGM. I'm thrilled to be a part of this awesome group! I hope your niece enjoys the book. Tell her I'll have more non-fiction sewing and crafting books coming up soon for MMGM. Regards, June
DeleteHi June! I love to sew (when I have the time) and I started when I was young. I loved HomeEc Class in Jr. High School. We made a dress in the 7th grade. I remember I picked an easy pattern of a shift dress. I love the owl on the cover of the book.Good luck with your blog. I also write. I have MG and a cookbook published and I used to write a column for kids in a regional magazine.
ReplyDeleteHello, Janet ~ It was great to hear from you. My first sewing-machine project with my Grandma McCrary at age eleven was a sleeveless shift dress. I'd love to have you on the blog to discuss your writing and MG book(s) and cookbook. Please visit the 'For Authors & Publisher's' page on this blog for more info. I hope to hear form you soon! Thank you for your good wishes. Best, June
DeleteWow, I would have loved this book when I was a kid. Now a days I just don't find the time to sew, but my daughter does.
ReplyDeleteHello, Dorine ~ Unfortunately, there will never be enough time in the day for me to do all the sewing I'd like to do! Glad to hear you passed on your love for sewing to your daughter. Thanks so much for stopping by. Sincerely, June
DeleteLove this book idea. Sewing is a lost art. Sadly, I don't even know how to do it. :( Hopefully, this book will inspire some parents to teach their kids sewing.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind remarks. I learned to sew at a young age, so I can't imagine not sewing. This book is definitely a good starting point. I appreciate your taking the time to visit my blog. Best wishes, June
DeleteI know I would have loved this book as a teen -- that's when they had home economics in Jr High. I sewed a lot and made a lot of gifts. It was so much fun!
ReplyDeleteHi, Patricia ~ I love hearing from other people who love(d) to sew! I remember making PJs for two little boys and a stuffed pink elephant for a girl I used to babysit when I was in a 'Sewing for Children' class in high school. You're right, sewing is fun! Thank you for visiting my blog today. Regards, June
DeleteThis book sounds so fun! I wish I could say I would have used it as a kid, but at the time I found sewing akin to torture. Thankfully something I outgrew. :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the launch of your blog, and welcome to MMGM!
--Suzanne
www.suzannewarr.com
Hey there, Suzanne ~ You made my day even brighter with your cheerful message! Thanks for the good wishes you sent. I'm thrilled to be a part of MMGM. This is such a friendly, welcoming group. I'm glad you outgrew the torture stage. I appreciate your taking the time to stop by the blog today. Best, June
DeleteMy granddaughter would really like this one. I will check it out. Thanks for the post.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind remarks, Rosi. I'm glad you found a new book for your granddaughter. I hope she enjoys it as much as I did! Sincerely, June
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