Last year we gave Sara a sewing machine for Christmas. She was five at the time, and had always shown an honest interest for sewing (she would almost sit on my lap when I was busy with my machine). So after reading up on the best age to give a child her (or his!) first sewing machine, and not finding a very clear answer, we decided to just go for it -- if she would still be too young, she would certainly grow into it at some point.

I've rarely seen a child so excited by a gift as Sara when she opened her package, and her sewing machine is still one of her most treasured possessions. So, what does she sew?

First of all, she still needs a lot of help. Preparing the machine (inserting the bobbin, leading the thread through the machine, pulling it through the needle etc) is something she can't completely do herself just yet. But she's getting quite good at cutting the fabric, pinning it together, and sewing straight lines. So far she's made lots of little pillows, an easy thing to make (with fast results) and a great present for her friends (doll's cushions!), or teachers and grandparents (pin cushions!).

Simple bags are a step up from the pillows and she needs a bit more help with these. She also made a little dress for her little sister's doll, and this was something we did together according to her design, and it turned out really nice!

All in all, I think we made the right decision to give her the machine fairly early. In case you're interested, Sara's machine is a Janome Sew Mini de Luxe.

xxx Esther