Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday Feature for 'Sewing for Children' by Emma Hardy

~ 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.

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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~ FRIDAY FICTION FEATURE ~

'Fancy Party Gowns:

The Story of Fashion Designer Ann Cole Lowe'

Author:  Deborah Blumental

Illustrator:  Laura Freeman

This picture book tells the beautiful story of a relatively unknown African American pioneer, designer Ann Cole Lowe. She was the first African-American woman to become a designer of couture clothing.

Born in 1898, she was the great-granddaughter of a slave. She learned to sew as a young child. From the 1920s through the 1960s Lowe's unique and one-of-a-kind gowns were worn by society women.

She is most well-known for designing and sewing the ivory silk taffeta gown Jacqueline Bouvier wore at her wedding to future President John F. Kennedy in 1953.

Learn more about this fascinating book on Goodreads. 

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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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'Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic' Blog Launch & Giveaway

~ WELCOME TO THE

'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC'

 BLOG LAUNCH & GIVEAWAY ~

I'm thrilled to launch my new blog! I named it 'Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic' after the old song, 'School Days'. The words went something like this:

     'School days, school days, they are Golden Rule days;

      Reading and writing and 'rithmetic . . . '

I took the liberty of changing 'rithmetic to 'Stitch-Metic' since I am a published sewing designer who loves to sew, quilt, embroider, and stitch in any way, shape, or form.

I have loved books since I was a young child. Then when I taught primary grades for twenty years, I felt fortunate to share my love of books along with literacy skills to hundreds of children, parents, and new teachers.

I am the published author of two inspirational romance novels, 'Robin's Reward' and 'A Holiday Miracle in Apple Blossom'. You can learn more about my books by clicking on the links beneath the covers shown below:

'Robin's Reward'

'A Holiday Miracle in Apple Blossom'

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COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':

-- 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 9th:  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.

-- 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.

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