Have we learned enough about scissors?  Maybe one more topic.  At what age / stage can we let our children (grands) work with sharp sewing tools?

At Chateau Sew & Sew we teach many children to sew.  We take kids from 7 up.  We have found that under 7, they do not have the patience or focus to work for the time we want them to sew. If you're teaching your child to sew, you need to have boundaries or “rules”.  But you don’t want to scare them to death.  This is true also if you're worried about them getting into your needles.

What is an appropriate age to learn how to sew? You can begin introducing your child to the materials as early as age three, but maybe not trust them with a needle until much later. The main concern for most parents is their kid's natural urge to rush.   That’s when many accidents occur. These safety tips will help your children have a fun and safe experience learning how to sew.

1.  Have your child watch and wait.  I know when I am learning a new kill I search for videos on how to do that skill. Same is true with your little sewists.  As they watch you, they will learn the skill and the good habits.  Possible have your child watch videos with kids sewing.  Such as this video Easy purse.  
2. Many sewing machines have three speeds: slow, moderate, and fast. Use these types of machines when working with children.  We only sell these machines for children to sew with.  It’s a great tool for adults also.
3. Whether you use bright and colorful Washi tape or color in lines with a marker, you need to mark out the danger zone. Children’s tiny fingers will unfortunately fit under the pressure foot and it's a tragic event when a child has a needle go through their finger. Make a clear zone around the bobbin case as well as the throat plate. Then create a strict rule that there cannot be any fingers in that zone. 
4. Children threading a needle, whether on a machine or for the hand stitching can make any adult nervous. You see their tiny hands maneuvering a very sharp object and you start thinking of all the things that could go wrong. You know they just aren't capable of the level of precision necessary for the task, until they finally manage it. So, to help them reach this monumental accomplishment, you need to step back and let them try.  If they are treading the machine, First unplug the machine.  If threading a hand sewing needle, put it in a pin cushion.  Using a larger eyed needle will help.
5. Have clear rules for scissors.  They might be "When walking, the blade must be in your hand," or "Only cutting into the fabric and on a table."  I think that children remember short quick rules much better long drawn-out lectures.
6.  Pick up pins / needles immediately!  Using a magnet will make it fun A pin cushion is a must when sewing for little guys.

Safety is a priority when sewing whether you are 7 or 70.  I think I got a bit off track.  But I know you got the drift.  Have fun with your kids and grands.

April is almost gone.  I’ll be posting Free PDF that will help with the transition from Brrrr to more comfortable weather.  Hope you enjoy our posts and please share your project with us at on Instagram  #Chateausew&show.

If you have any topic or suggestions for our weekly chat, please email me at chateausew@gmail.com.

Available Monday, April 24 is Fabric Palette® - Tablet Case.  It is a beginner level and easy.  Getting ready for the beach, pool or your back yard.  

We have plenty of cute fabrics for your tote or all the projects you have in mind. Chateau Sew & Sew is waiting to help you.  Call or come by.  

Remember to check out Monday’s, April 17 free PDF   Simple & Versatile Drawstring Bag. Come back next week in our final installment journey of running with Scissors.

Happy sewing 

Karen and Susan

This recipe is fast easy and delish!

Bruschetta-Tomato

FOR THE TOMATOES

• 4 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 4 large tomatoes, diced
• 1/4 c. thinly sliced basil
• 2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar 
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

FOR THE BREAD

• 1 large baguette, sliced ¼" thick on the bias
• Extra-virgin olive oil, for brushing
• 2 cloves garlic, halved

Directions

1. Make marinated tomatoes: In a medium skillet over medium-low heat, heat oil. Add garlic and cook until lightly golden, 2 to 4 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool.
2. In a large bowl, toss together tomatoes, basil, vinegar, salt, and red pepper flakes. Add garlic and oil from skillet and toss to combine. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, toast bread: Preheat oven to 400°. Brush bread on both sides lightly with oil and place on large baking sheet. Toast bread until golden, 10 to 15 minutes, turning halfway through. Let bread cool for 5 minutes, then rub tops of bread with halved garlic cloves.
4. Spoon tomatoes on top of bread just before serving.