Hobbies And Interests
Working with Patterns
If your third grader has some sewing experience, now might be a good time to introduce the concept of patterns. Likely she has used patterns without even realizing it, but buying the first pattern for a third grader might require a visit to the fabric store. Discuss the child̵7;s skill with an experienced seamstress to find out what she̵7;s ready for and which project will result in success. Garments such as vests are easy to make, but the fabric for a third-grade girl needs to be easy for her to work with.
Making Doll or Stuffed Animal Clothes
Doll clothes can be challenging due to the small size of the doll. It̵7;s best for third grade girls with little sewing experience to try clothing a larger doll. A vest for a medium-sized, stuffed bear might be a good item for her to measure simple garments. Doll clothes such as a basic shirt, skirt, dress or vest are great for third graders. Don̵7;t choose a project with puffed sleeves or pleats, because she can advance to those projects after a few confidence-building successes.
Creating Household Items
Hundreds of household items are perfect for an aspiring third-grade seamstress. Potholders and cloth coasters take few sewing skills, but they can teach her how to sew a border. Hand towels with simple borders, decorative patches or colored edges can be made to match a third-grade girl̵7;s bathroom or bedroom. She can include bathroom towels and washcloths in this project, as well.
Embroidering
Kits for embroidering are available for every skill level. Catalogs abound that include items with designs ironed into the border of bed sheets and pillowcase, and larger scenes can be ironed onto a canvas fit for framing. Interest and skill level is important in embroidery. If you choose a pattern that takes a long time, a third-grade girl may soon tire of it, and she may put down the project and never finish it. Give her a few smaller projects and soon she will be willing to spend months embroidering a complex pattern.