Two years ago I made class quilts with the kindergarteners at school when my son was in kindergarten. Last year another parent took the reigns and and this year it was my turn again, since my daughter is in kindergarten this year.
I decided to do something a little more complicated this year. Since I was really enjoying seeing all the Village quilt blocks on instagram I ordered a copy of the pattern for the kids to each sew a house block. They made fingerprint art a la Ed Emberley on the doorway fabric with their teachers and I led them through piecing their blocks. (The maker's names are on each doorway as well, but they have been removed for the blog post.)
The kids are at a montessori school, so sewing has been part of their curriculum for the last three years. By kindergarten they are all comfortable using needle and thread. To help them with their piecing, I use a frixion pen to mark the 1/4" seam on the wrong side of each fabric to help the kids keep their running stitch in a straight line. I pin together the two layers of fabric to keep them organized. Some kids take tiny microscopic stitches and some take 1/2" long stitches, but it all gets the job done.
Aren't the blocks adorable!? Once each child finished hand piecing their quilt blocks I brought them home to give them a good press, sew them together, and finish the quilts.
I was sure to get a good shot of the quilt sandwich before I added the binding. When I taught the kids about the parts of a quilt they got a kick out of the phrase "quilt sandwich." I told them that the top and bottom fabrics were like the bread and the batting was like the... whatever you like on your sandwich. One student asked nearly every time I saw him if I had added the peanut butter and jelly yet. ;-)
I opted for echo quilting bordering each house and my daughter helped me pick the zen chic blue dot fabric for the binding. These adorable quilts are about 16" x 15". They were finished and hanging on the classroom walls in time for Mother's Day Tea.
Just for fun, here I am with the portrait of myself that my daughter drew for the Mother's Day Tea on Friday.
Anja @ Anja Quilts
This is a great idea teaching children to sew/quilt. And their blocks are adorable.
sarah
Post authorThank you, Anja. Since it's a class quilt I will print picture of each of their blocks so they can take the photos home.
Yvonne @Quilting Jetgirl
I love that you took a picture of the sandwich to show the class, and I can totally understand the fascination with PB&J as a reference. :) I bet they loved seeing their blocks turned into quilts.
sarah
Post authorThank you, Yvonne. It's a little like I magic them together since I bring home the blocks and bring back the quilt, so it's nice to have process pictures to share with them.
Kathleen McCormick
It is so great to get to do that with the little ones. I used a machine when I did it for my son’s 1st grade class and they ran the pedal by pushing with their hands-another quilter gave me that hint. Enjoy those times, they go fast.
sarah
Post authorThank you, Kathleen.
Liz W.
Ohmigosh that is such a cute idea! Using kid art in quilts. I love it!
sarah
Post authorThank you, Liz. The fingerprint art is a nice personal touch. And the kids each picked their fabrics. It's so fun to see their individual styles.
lisa
Great portrait Sarah. She caught your big smile and your bright eyes for sure. These are great little quilts.
sarah
Post authorThank you, Lisa.