Bratcher - Lets sew together!: 30 simple projects the whole family can make

Copyright 2014 by Rubyellen Bratcher

All rights reserved.

Published in the United States by Potter Craft, an imprint of Crown Publishing Group, a division of Random House, LLC, a Penguin Random House Company, New York.

www.pottercraft.com
www.crownpublishing.com

POTTER CRAFT and colophon are registered trademarks of Random House, LLC.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Bratcher, Rubyellen N.
Lets sew together! : simple projects the whole family can make /
Rubyellen N. Bratcher.First edition.
pages cm
1. Sewing. 2. House furnishings. 3. Dress accessories. I. Title.
TT705.B73 2014
646.2dc23 2013019030

ISBN 978-0-385-34518-7
eBook ISBN 978-0-385-34519-4

Cover design by Ashley Tucker
Cover photographs by Rubyellen Bratcher

Photography on the following pages by Kimberly Genevive:
All other photography and illustrations by Rubyellen Bratcher
Additional artwork by True and Brave Bratcher
Styling on the following pages by Heather Rome:

v3.1

My adventures in sewing began on an ordinary day of shopping in downtown Glendora, when I wandered into the cutest baby boutique. I had just had my first child, and my heart fluttered when I saw so many pretty, girly clothes and toys. Then I turned over the price tag on a tiny skirt, and my heart sank. There was no way that I would be able to afford it. When our baby was born, I retired from teaching to be a stay-at-home mom, and my husband, just out of grad school, was starting a new job. But in that boutique, instead of feeling disappointed, I got an idea: we needed a sewing machine.

When I got home, I figured out how much money our family could save by investing in a sewing machine. (Compared to the prices in that boutique, we would save a lot of money.) My husband, being the practical man that he is, saw the many benefits of home sewing and agreed. Or maybe I just bugged him to death until he caved. Either way, he loves me and could see how badly I wanted to make our little girl all the sweet little clothes, toys, and room decorations she deserved.

Before we made the big purchase, I signed up for sewing lessons at a local fabric shop. For the first lesson, the instructor asked what I wanted to make. She taught me a few basic techniques, including how to thread the machine and stitch a straight line, and I came home with exactly what I had wanted: a nursing cover and a tiny, adorable baby skirt. Two sewing projects that I had only imagined in my head had come to life in front of me! I was one step closer to my goal, and my heart started fluttering again. After a lot of research, I finally bought the machine I wanted from a local shop, took it home, and havent stopped sewing since. When I finished my month of sewing lessons at the first shop, I continued with a series of lessons at another. They taught me the essentials, but I learned even more from the time I spent at home, behind my machine. When in doubt, I simply needed to sew, sew, and sew some more.

Since those early days when I first fell in love with sewing, it has only gotten sweeter with time. Our family has grown to include four little girls who love to get involved with my sewing projectsor should I say our sewing projects. They often decide what we should sew and exactly how they want it. I let them have a say in the color and fabric and allow them the freedom to add whatever details, embellishments, or surface decorations they choose. Our familys craft time is all about working together and having fun.

Collaborative crafting means not only sewing for but also sewing with your kids. No matter their ages, your children can have a hand in sewing with you. After all, sewing is just a fancier way of playing connect-the-dots. Its about following lines and shapes, skills that kids are already practicing as they learn to draw and write. As with drawing and writing, once they get the basics of sewing, only their imaginations will limit them. Sewing with your kids involves a certain degree of skill, but more important, its about collaboration. Allow everyone to contribute something, and youll make lasting memories. Let them be involved, and theyll experience how much fun it is to make something with their own hands. Kids learn a great deal from observing, so even if you end up doing most of the sewing, let them sit next to you and watch. You may be amazed by the knowledge they pick up!

A few of the easy projects in this book require nothing more than a straight stitch to create a simple dress or a picnic blanket for family outings. Other projects involve a bit more attention to detail or special techniques such as embroidery or quilting, but youll find that theyre totally achievable with the right guidance. In some of the more time-intensive projects, youll find tips to simplify them. Theres no pressure to make perfectly sewn projects here. Uneven stitches and crooked lines only add to the charm of a handmade item.

I am a mom, and I totally get it. You have kids to teach, laundry waiting, meals to cook, and an endless schedule of dance and sports practices. But you also dream of making something that will brighten your day. Each chapter in this book is dedicated to a particular aspect of daily life and family routines. Whether youre a spontaneous parent or one who likes to plan, this book offers something for you and your child. If he or she doesnt feel like sewing, use the sidebars to find reading suggestions, learning activities, and playtime ideas. All the projects in this book will fit into your busy family schedule and show you that sewing is truly magical.

Have fun with the projects and let them reflect your familys personal style. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to write this book and share some of our creations, but this is now your creation, too. Sewing is like magic, and you have the ability to create it yourself. I know there are some of you out there who have a sewing machine but may be too intimidated to start. Lets Sew Together is here to help you find the time and encouragement to try those projects youve always wanted to make. And you will be sewing with your little ones every chance you get! Lets take it one stitch at a time.

This chapter will introduce you to some basic tools, tips, and tricks for sewing. Sewing is much easier than you think!