My 5 year old nephew came over for a visit when I was working on a sewing project. He was
very intrigued. I assumed a Kindergartner is too little to understand the concept of creating clothing from a flat sheet of fabric, but he kept asking questions so I kept answering! It was marvelous to see his curiosity bloom and to aid in his understanding of something new.
First, I had to explain what the sewing machine was for. I pointed out the needle and the thread. Then I took the bodice I was working on and showed him a section that had yet to be stitched together.
“See how these two pieces are open? I can use the sewing machine to sew them together and then they will stay closed. Then I can wear it!”
I pinned the pieces together and showed him the foot of the machine. I situated the fabric and lowered the foot. I sewed the two pieces together and then let him examine them. “Oooooh, now they stay together!” he exclaimed. It was adorable!
Over the next 15 minutes he asked me about different styles of stitches, I showed him how to make the needle move by pressing the pedal and let him sew a few rows himself, he asked me about buttons and I explained the special foot we’d use to make a buttonhole, and then showed him the difference between hand sewing a button and using the machine.
We chatted about the dress I was wearing, which I had also made, and he told me about the yellow and pink jumpsuit he would like to design. Something in purple would be best for his little sister, and Grandmama should get a new shirt. All his ideas!
Have you ever been surprised by the curiosity and capacity to learn exhibited by your little one?
Recommend
Comments (6)
I think it's imperative that we nurture curiosity and cultivate the inherent gifts our children exhibit. It's one of those things were the expression, "He could be the next Steve Jobs!" actually has some merit.
Oh, and for what it's worth... I think you look absolutely adorable if that's you in the photo. 
My children never cease to astonish me with their willingness to learn and explore. My kindergartener is learning things so quickly at school and we are encouraging her efforts at home. It's an exciting time!
It kind of bothers me when people sell kids short and assume they can't understand something because they're little. A baseline assumption is understandable, especially in today's society, but those who then turn around and blow a kid off as a result are where the problem comes in, I guess. I'm really glad you didn't do that. It's great that you took the time to show him something new, and answer his questions. Kids are inquisitive sponges, and they can grasp a lot more than many adults give them credit for.
our children are smarter then we sometimes give them credit for... thats why i always encourage my children (and the others I look after) to ask questions and figure things out.
Is that you two? Cute picture! My 3 year old absolutely loves helping me sew and asking all kinds of questions about how the machine works. He asked me if he could have his own little machine! And he definitely knows more about how trains work than I do. They are so curious and so open to learning at that age, it amazes me constantly.
that is so cute! my mom and i sew a lot and my 2 1/2 yr old loves to watch. he also loves to help cook and we watch cooking shows together. i encorage him to try new things