"Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun." - Mary Lou Cook

HIP HIP HALLOWEEN!

It’s one of my favorite and most creative times of the year. The DIY options are endless -- from home décor and kids’ crafts to costumes and general spookiness. I often think back to when I was a kid going into the store and buying a nurse, dragon or monster costume.   But, today the whole DIY movement has changed that. Kids are craving a creative outlet and what better way than to make their own costumes?  Who would have thought?! Sewing has taken on a whole new meaning these days. I love to see how kids who are given the freedom to create “at will” come up with the best idea….and there is no exception this year with our kids in the studio. Here are just a few of our kids' designs. We know you’ll be just as impressed as we are!

MORE THAN ONE WAY

When working with children of various skill sets and levels, it's helpful to remember there is more than one way of doing things. As they say, "Know your audience!" Sewing is no exception. In the studio, we are constantly coming up with alternative methods of doing the same thing, depending on the student's skill level. We find that if you are 5 or 10 years old, there can be different ways of sewing or creating the same thing. Let's take ruffles, for example. It is some girls' favorite thing when wearing dresses or skirts. Well, that and sparkles. So, what is the best way to dampen a young sewist's creative motivation? Tell her she can't do a ruffle because it's too hard. While it can be tricky, and may take a little extra time, finding an easier way for younger or less experienced students to accomplish this skill keeps their motivation and creative juices flowing. So, now you probably want to know the easy ruffle technique to show your little sewist at home!

 EXAMPLE #1  Separate like colored threads (two pink and two purple) and hold. I chose pink.  Gently pull the two like threads while holding your fabric.  Continue this until you see a nice even ruffle.  Be careful not to pull too tightly otherwise your threads might snap.

How To Ruffle from kate ploussios on Vimeo.

How To Ruffle #1 from kate ploussios on Vimeo.

EXAMPLE #2 Start by separating top and bottom threads  While holding the fabric with one hand, gently tug on two threads (either top or bottom). While pulling your threads, slide the fabric back with your other hand until fully gathered. Be careful not to snap your threads.

How To Ruffle #2 from kate ploussios on Vimeo.

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