Camp Stitch-a-lot

The Clothing and Textile Advisors (CTA) of Snohomish county (north of where I live) puts on a summer camp, each year, for children to learn sewing. The children come for the morning or afternoon (or both) of a week in June OR a week in early July. [There is a 3rd week later in July for the more advanced students.]

This is a really fun adventure and this year my oldest granddaughter will be attending and her Nana will be teaching two of the days. Otherwise, I'm just in transportation. For the beginners, the projects are: a name tag holder, a lunch bag, an apron and an "Ugli" doll. In addition, the kids are taught about their sewing machines (which they must bring), tools, ironing/pressing, safety, etc. If they finish their project for the day early, then they have available 6 1/2" cotton squares to make into a small quilt top - given to a local hospital.

This is a great program and while there is lots and lots of prep. work required, the kids (or their moms) sign up quickly and the program is usually full. We (CTA's) are required to be roving helpers, advisors and problem solvers. So TODAY: we had a fabric cutting 'party' to begin the preparation of materials.




















The fleece is for the Ugli dolls. (I couldn't find a picture of those, but I'll keep looking. They are about 8 1/2" x 11" rounded rectangle, with fleece 'hair' and braided cotton arms and legs. CUTE!)

For the more advanced students this year they will make cargo pants, winter scarves and "humbug" bags. The third week will be crochet and knitting in the morning and quilting in the afternoon - that group will do their own cutting.





















This is fun, despite some up-front work. We will probably have one more work party before the camp begins. I know at least one little girl who is might excited about staying with Nana for a week and getting to go to sewing camp. Life is good!