For several summers, I’ve volunteered as a mentor at Quilt Camp sponsored by the Southeastern Quilt & Textile Museum. I even have the t-shirt collection to prove it! Charlotte, a rising sixth grader I’ve known since she was a toddler, accompanied me this year. She had a great time, a wonderful mentor (Ms. Joyce) and stated she definitely wants to return next summer. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the ‘tween version of Charlotte on our daily commutes.
We were set-up in the main gallery this year, which gave us so much more space to spread out. The local Quilts of Valor group meets in the main gallery for their sew days, so Education Chair figured why not set the campers up in there, too. Janie, a horse-crazy rising 7th grader was my assigned camper. She was a joy to mentor – personable, focused, accepted feedback well and was able to complete her project with minimal help from me. She was so proud of her finished project – as she should be. Hopefully, our paths will cross again in a future camp.
If you have a young person in your life curious about sewing – encourage that interest. Most sewing classes for kids limit enrollment to upper elementary age students (4th & 5th graders) and up. This is largely due to the fact that 9-10 year olds have developed better hand-eye coordination, more stamina to focus for longer periods of time and the fine motor skills required by sewing (scissor cutting, unpicking, pinning, etc.) The SQTM charges about $100 for 10 hours of one-on-one instruction, including use of a sewing machine and supplies. Kits are furnished for 1st year students as part of the tuition. That’s a deal!
Come Stitch With Me 