My #$@&!! sewing machine

Ok... First of all, the sewing machine is technically my daughter's, but because I don't have any real experience machine sewing I've decided that this thing is the (current) bane of my life.

Not too bad a bane, considering...

Today Miss M and I had our Mommy and Me day. I do these with the older kids now since the children  out-number the grown-ups in our family -- it's really difficult for them to get focused attention from us. Whoever's day it is gets to stay home from school and gets to pick all the activities.

The day was great. We went bowling, had lunch, and then M had a Very Specific Idea. We stopped at our local fabric shop to pick out her materials. The plan was to sew a Caterpillow. A pillow of her design, shaped like a caterpillar.  I could do this. It was easy. Strips of colorful (rainbow) fabric sewn together and then we'd make a tube out of them. Easy-schmeasy.

Ha. The Machine had other plans and tangled up the threads. Repeatedly.

We are lucky that we live in a town that has an incredible variety of adult ed classes available. I am determined to get this Sewing Thing. My mind is so full of projects I'm ready to create. All I need is the Skills.

Comments

[Stephanie]

Sounds like a fun day (except for the sewing machine issue). I too am an inexperienced sewer and am just now learning how to do it. Once you finally make the pillow I would love to see it!

[karen t]

I think spending special time alone with each child is so lovely. Just out of interest...what does the school say about you taking them out? we get into big trouble over here if the kids are not in school. It's frowned upon. I feel that it's all about balance and if the children are getting something valuable out of the day then parents should have the right to make that decision.

[Veronique]

I've only done it once with each child so far, and their teachers support my decision to give the kids their special days. It's especially important for my six-year-old. I don't plan to do it more than once a quarter with each child.

The school is quite unique and is very focused on teaching the Whole Child -- hearts and minds.

Here's a summary of the school's core values:

* Trusting and respecting each individual -- Mutual respect, honesty and personal responsibility are key elements.
* Developmental approach -- Each student's curriculum acknowledges the uniqueness and developmental level of that individual.
* Growth and assessment -- An ongoing process of observation and feedback is utilized, designed to recognize individual growth and change.
* Meaningful, relevant curriculum -- The school provides a "training ground for real life" so that each student becomes a self-directed, thinking, lifetime learner.
* Multi-dimensional learning -- Optimal learning focuses on the whole child: Social, emotional and academic development are of equal importance.
* Cooperation and collaboration -- Students of multiple ages work together on projects designed to help them share strengths, accept support & communicate ideas.
* Teacher-parent partnership -- Teachers and parents are partners who work together to support the students and school programs.