Summer Sewing: Notes from an unconventional camp

Now that school is back in full swing and the leaves in Toronto are starting to change (just a tiny bit), summer seems like a distant memory. Mine was full of craft shows, outings with my girls, and during the last week, a very special project: sewing camp! In my little house I held a full-day camp for ten kids aged 7-12 who really wanted to sew.

Over five packed days we learned to embroider, hand sew, use a sewing machine, tie dye, and cut a pattern. We made book bags, zippered pouches, drawstring bags, superhero badges, stuffed creatures and pyjama pants. It was a blast; both thrilling and exhausting, an explosion of creativity.

At the end of the week the kids decided that we should keep sewing through the year with short, project-focused classes: “Sewing Sundays.”  I will announce these days shortly and you are welcome to join us!

Here are some photos (and feedback) from our week. I hope you enjoy them.

Practicing some embroidery

Practicing some embroidery

 

My youngest student was just seven, and his quick mastery of the sewing machine was astonishing.

My youngest student was just seven, and his quick mastery of the sewing machine was astonishing.

 

My daughter loved every second of the camp.‎ She came home each day eager to show us what she had created, and bubbling with enthusiasm for the next day’s activities. She proudly wore her tie-dye shirt and pajama pants. My daughter has spent every summer going to day camps in the city, and this sewing camp is absolutely one of the best.”

 

A little zippered pouch, the perfect combination of beauty and function

A little zippered pouch, the perfect combination of beauty and function


 

Everyone together showing off their beautiful tie-dyed tees

Everyone together showing off their beautiful tie-dyed tees

 

Finishing up projects at the dining room table

Finishing up projects at the dining room table


 

“I can say without hesitation that G would rate her week at your camp as one of her best life experiences ever. I am curious about what you achieved in that week. It’s fantastic that she learned how to sew by hand and with a machine, learned how to die fabric, and learned an appreciation for an art form (she talks non stop now about wanting to make a quilt). It’s even more fantastic that she found soul mates, and she feels that about every person who was there at your camp, so I know that what really happened is that you created a really beautiful group dynamic. I cannot express how grateful I am to you for this (and wonder how you did it). G can’t wait to hear about your upcoming workshops. She wants to attend every one. So please stay in touch – we are very hungry for more!”
 

The last day: "Check out my new pyjama pants. I made them myself!"

The last day: “Check out my new pyjama pants. I made them myself!”


 

If you’re interested in joining us for Sewing Sundays, or our upcoming March Break or Summer Camps, please send me an email and I’ll notify you of new classes coming up. I’m also planning some workshops for adults. Stay tuned!

Happy sewing,
Devorah

2 Comments

  1. Looks like great fun Devorah. Love a non-internet experience for the kids. Great thread.

    • devorah@redthreaddesign.ca October 7, 2015 at 4:23 pm

      Thanks John. Not only was it a screen-free experience, they were so engrossed in their creations that we had to cajole them to take breaks for some outside fun. It’s funny how long attention spans can stretch when you’re really engaged!

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