This year for Aly’s 5th birthday, I’m giving her a sewing kit. Surprisingly, I don’t actually know how to sew, so I had to rely a lot on internet research and family/friends input. I’d like to learn this skill right along with her. We’ll probably even take a sewing class this summer together at Joanns!

What I put inside:

1. The suitcase:

Target has these cute cardboard cases for only $5.  I thought it was just the right size to tote around all things sewing, plus it’s super cute. Many people use baskets, but I knew that crawling sister would not be able to keep her little hands out of it.

2. Tapestry needles + stiff plastic mesh circles + yarn:

Tapestry needles aren’t sharp, and are easier to thread, especially when using yarn. I thought it’d be fun for Aly to play around and see what designs she could make with these. It’ll get her used to the sewing motion without having to worry about sticking herself.  I chose small circles because they fit in the suitcase and Aly could easily hold them in her hands. After she has mastered those, I’ll introduce a bigger circle or square on our big summer road trip.

3. Buttons

Lots and lots of buttons. Plastic buttons, thick cardboard buttons (the elephants and flowers), and the heart felt buttons. Each has a different weight and texture, giving Aly a choice of what feels best for her flowering sewing skills. She can use embroidery floss to sew the buttons onto material or she can sew it onto the mesh.

4. Embroidery floss + fabric + wooden embroidery hoop (not pictured):

My momma is coming to visit next week, so she’s bringing a few wooden hoops of various sizes with her. I figured Aly can use the fabric and floss to play around, making designs.

Source

5. Lacing Cards

I’m printing out these lacing cards from homemade charlotte. She will love them!

6. Miscellaneous (not pictured)

Scissors, measuring tape, notepad (for ideas), pen/pencil

I have some beginner activities planned for her as well:

1. From childhood 101, we got the idea to draw on the plastic mesh with a permanent marker, and then have her sew along that line.

2. Buttons, buttons, buttons! I need to do this one right along with her :). Jake is the button sewer in our family, and I’d like to learn too.

3. Hand sewing on paper plates.

4. Tying knots and tracing designs on fabric (a step up from sewing on the plastic mesh!)

Finally, here is some of my inspiration as I was assembling the baskets.

Imagination Tree: First Sewing Basket for Kids

Childhood 101: Toddler Friendly Sewing Basket