If you have any spare time this summer, I hope you will take that time to share the wonderful world of sewing skills with children and adults.  I believe that sewing is a life skill and something that everyone should know how to do. Maybe not everyone needs to know how to make  wedding gown but doing their own mending and having enough sewing skills to be creative when the mood strikes seems like a necessity to me.  With any luck, maybe your student will remember you 30 years later.

• Teaching Adults and Children to Sew
• Very Simple Learning to Sew, First Time Free Sewing Patterns and Projects
• Free Sewing Patterns and Projects to Teach Hand Sewing

When the weather won't make up it's mind, it can be a challenge to plan a special event outfit. A shrug is a great solution for a sundress on a cloudy, cool day.  I almost bought a shrug this past week... but that little piece of fabric making up the shrug cost as much as the sundress I had chosen.  I decided I'll be making one.  Making your own allows you to have the perfect shrug for any outfit! Plan ahead for all of your summer events.

• Sew a Shrug - Free Patterns & Directions

Summer camp may be the first time a child takes responsibility for their own laundry.... I know I always found it easier to just pick it up and get it done myself during the school year but come summer time, it was time to make them take responsibility.  Once they go off to camp and college, it's time they know what they are doing so that soaking wet, red  towel doesn't go in a laundry bag next to a white shirt.    Having more than one laundry bag can help stop big mistakes from happening! Letting them make their own laundry bags, opens up time for  discussions while they sew.

• Tips and Ideas for Making a Laundry Bag
• Free Step by Step Directions to Turn a Pillowcase in to a Laundry Bag

Many kids will be going to day camp or over night camp this summer.  I remember my days at camp... and so does my mom.  I won't go into details but we smile about it today. I know every child needs a way to tote their precious cargo for camp  and nature walk... hopefully no live snakes!  A string backpack is a prefect solution for summer adventures because it is not big and bulky like a heavy duty backpack.  No one wants to wear a heavy back pack in summer heat!

• Sew a Simple String Drawstring Backpack
• Backpack Alternative Straps for Style and Comfort