Lessons from a middle school sewing class

If you have never volunteered at your local middle school's Home Economics sewing class, you should! Watching and helping Mrs. Largey's class this last trimester was absolutely an amazing and fun experience.

I think it would be fair to say that girls pretty much just get sewing...boys?...not so much
I have discovered that there are few things more rewarding than helping preteen boys learn to sew on buttons, sew seams, hems and then watching them put all of those skills to use assembling a pillow project. I loved watching their faces as they completed each step and Mrs Largey gave them the stamp of approval.

I came to realize very quickly that as a long time crafter, I take for granted the skill it takes to place pattern pieces correctly, cut them out (on the lines), follow instructions and put it all together. I also have a humbling admiration for any brave person who wears the hat that says "Middle School Home Economics Teacher".

My grandson Jordan completed his happy face pillow and it was amazing how this seemingly simple project brought him so much pride and gave him so much confidence.

And with this new found confidence, he wondered if  he and I could make a pillow that looks like Mario. And so we did. We spent a few afternoons together sewing and talking.

Cutting out, piecing, pivoting and maneuvering around like pros at the sewing machine.


This was going to be a tutorial on "how to make a mario pillow". Instead, I think this story has become a lesson in life for me.
 
I would urge you to find your local middle school and just spend time in one class helping those preteens become confident, competent young people.
 
I know it's hard to believe, but learning to sew buttons, seams, hems and pillows really can do so much more than you could ever imagine!