stillvnu

You get her a super easy AG doll clothes patterns (pillowcase dress) I think it is a simplicity pattern on sale at Joann's often for $1.00. She can make the same style over and over just change fabrics and trims, etc. Sling back pack, fabric drawstring bags, pillows, pincushion, rag quilt, doll quilts ... have fun with her!

pdcakm

I am now 70 yrs old, teaching my 9 and 7yr oldDGDs to sew and sent them home with a machine last visit. They are pretty smart little cookies, figured out the buttons and knobs and were making pillow cases on the second day. We made a bolster pillow together, I embroidered and they stitched pillow cases for friends' b-day gifts. We had a blast. Don't discount 10yr old's ability to sew![/QUOTE]

agree whole-heartedly. let her create before giving patterns that lock in. too much structure will constrict. i learned on my own at 11. just sat down with machine and fabric. give her the tools and let her go. pillow cases and decorative pillows are good starters.

yea for her and have fun.

needles3thread

I think she will be more enthusiastic to sew if she chooses her own fabric.

Maire

I agree with this-my 9 yr old granddaughter made a bunch using this same pattern, plus I made 90 for an animal shelter (dog & cat prints) to use for fund raising, they are fast, super cute, instant gradification in sewing.

tenngal

My 9 year old GD started out with a pillowcase, then a pair of shorts with an elastic waist and after that, a pair of pajama bottoms. Then she started making little quilts for her sister's doll bed and a fabric Christmas book for her.

Monroe

So many good ideas here for making great memories! I'd start with the FART (Fabric Acquisition Road Trip) for whatever project and lunch, or shop the stash. I've been doing a lot of pillowcase parties- another one for ConKerr Saturday. Kids really seem to enjoy making pillowcases. I recommend pre-washing the fabrics so the pillowcases look better even right out of the dryer. Just simple straight lines. Ditto for mug rugs- pick a special cup and coordinate the fabrics, then make hot cocoa and cookies to test it out? Doll quilts are simple. Basic American Girl patterns can be made as 3rd or 4th projects depending on the learning curve. I made Barbie clothes for my sister's doll as my first machine sewing project at about age 8- not especially fun.