Sewing

Joan Buchanan is a children’s storyteller and author of Taking Care of
My Cold and What If I Were in Charge?

Kids will like the colorful design, layout, and illustrations in this
practical, project-filled craft book. Materials needed and instructions
on basic skills (e.g., threading and holding a needle, sewing on
buttons, doing running, overcast, and back stitches) take up only the
first four pages. Most of the book consists of step-by-step instructions
for making bags, sacks, placemats, serviettes, pencil cases, pillows,
hair scrunchies, bows, hand puppets, sock dolls, hobby horses, and
decorated clothing.

Conveniently, many of the projects can be made from recycled material
(e.g., old socks, T-shirts, and household linens), and, depending on the
child’s ability, they may be done with little adult help. Although the
illustrations and instructions are simple and quite clear, some children
(especially 5- to 7-year-olds) will need a person with rudimentary
sewing knowledge to fully explain, and perhaps demonstrate, some of the
steps. However, Sewing presents attractive, attainable projects in an
easy-to-handle format. Highly recommended.