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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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From: ramonamom2002
Date: 07-11-2004, 06:27 PM (1 of 17)
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My 14 yr old son, that I homeschool, is starting high school this Fall and wants to take a sewing class as an elective. I have contacted a lady who does private and group sewing classes in our town who is just thrilled to hear that my son (and 2 other boys his age) are eager to learn how to sew with a machine. They all know how to hand sew for the most part, they have been sewing music group patches on their jeans and they all have created one of a kind "punk rock" denim vests decorated with patches, studs and fabric trim. My son also has created what he calls a "belt pouch"- it looks like a pencil pouch only slightly larger- that he has hand sewn from fabric he has selected and he adds a band patch to one side of the pouch, a zipper across the top edge of the opposite side of the patch and "O" rings at the top that he puts his studded belt through and hangs the pouch from the back of his belt, covering his back side. He says that he uses it to carry his wallet and small items. All of the boys have also made attempts at tapering pant legs on their own, not the greatest job but I was very impressed with their determination. Anyways, the reason for all this rambling is that after talking with the sewing teacher about setting up a lesson plan for the boys, we were kind of stuck on what types of projects they could sew for their lessons. She had suggested a drawstring tote bag and apron, but we both agreed that it might be better to make something that they might enjoy using instead of giving as gifts. (I can not see any of them using the above mentioned projects) We discussed making boxer shorts or drawsting pants and I passed the idea on to the boys and they said that would be "cool", but now we need another idea and can't seem to think of any. These guys are into the "punk rock" type look, they all even have mohawks  So........ Is there anyone out there that has any project ideas for 3 punk rock boy, beginner machine sewers? the class will consist of 4 two hour sessions so it needs to be something that can be completed in that time period. Any idea would be greatly appreciated!!!!!! 
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User: ramonamom2002
Member since: 07-11-2004 Total posts: 3 
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From: Raine
Date: 07-11-2004, 06:41 PM (2 of 17)
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How about drawstring laundry bags and pillows, pillowcases or quilts for their room? My son loves my summer knit pajamas (made from a t-shirt and shorts pattern). I think boxers are a great idea; they can also be worn for sleeping. I once made my husband a roll-up tool caddy for wrenches (if there are any mechanics in the bunch). I think it's great that you're encouraging their interest in sewing. Good luck! |
User: Raine
Member since: 04-19-2000 Total posts: 259 
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From: paroper
Date: 07-11-2004, 07:58 PM (3 of 17)
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When I was student teaching we had a 8th grade boy who was having problems and was moved to my home ec class. He ended up making a shirt and really was proud of it!
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: MaryW
Date: 07-12-2004, 05:22 AM (4 of 17)
Ramonamom2002, welcome to Sew Whats New.  I think it's great you can homeschool, especially teenagers. Kudos to you lady. If they wear those longer shorts, below knee length you could try them with some funky pockets. T shirts would be good too, lots of room for learning how to sew with a knit and embellishing. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: SewBug1
Date: 07-12-2004, 08:19 AM (5 of 17)
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I teach sewing to a 14 year old home schooled boy. We make quilts (art with fabric as the medium) we have made cargo pants (drawstring and lots of pockets) we make a lot of fleece pullovers, jackets, hats (they are big into skiing) Talk to him, find out what he is interested in and make something simple geared to him. |
User: SewBug1
Member since: 05-29-2004 Total posts: 26 |
From: ramonamom2002
Date: 07-12-2004, 11:40 AM (6 of 17)
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Wow, thanks for all the replies! Great ideas, I think the boys would like the t-shirt project. I can picture them adding some pretty interesting and creative logos and the such to them. My son has been wanting to create and make his own band patches. I had purchased some heavy canvas type material for him and he has made a couple of 3x5 sized patches with hand drawn band logos (his friends band) on them. He is an incredible artist and can look at just about anything and free hand draw it. Hmmmmmmmmmmm........ I think that would be a great project for them. Now, any tips on how to make these patches into iron ons? I know that it would probably be better for them to just sew them on, but I was also thinking ahead to if and when they would want to add patches like that to denim vests and jeans. I figured it would be easier for them to iron them on first, then hand finish the edges to make them more secure (not all the boys have access to machines after the classes are finished) I like the quilt idea myself, I think that after the actual class is completed and my son has a better feel for the machine, his next elective class will be a quilting one with me at the local high school that is given by one of the community colleges. That would be a wonderful way to do just like SewBug1 said, to make it Art with fabric as the medium. I think he might enjoy that. I have been trying to teach myself how to quilt and sew patterns now for the last 8 months- ever since my realtor gave me $600 to buy a sewing machine as a house warming gift! It has been an obsession of mine. I absolutely LOVE to shop for fabric and often take my son who likes to search through the scrap and remenant bins. I have made blankets for my kids, nieces and nephews, and have started to make them for children of family friends. My last project was a western themed quilt/blanket for my friends 2 yr old son (his daddy is a pro rodeo bronco/bull rider) I used denim, red bandana print, rope cord edging and a horse and foal applique. She loved it and has been encouraging me to start selling them at our local country craft fair and she even wants to pay me to make them as gifts for her friends!. I am FAR from profecting my loved hobby, but I just wanted to say that it's nice to have found a place where I can go and ask questions from others who share that same love and have been sewing and quilting for a long time. Thanks!!! 
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User: ramonamom2002
Member since: 07-11-2004 Total posts: 3
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 07-12-2004, 12:27 PM (7 of 17)
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Ramonamom 2002 I suggest you teach this young man how to make his own iron on patches (using wonder-under) and this would encourage his artistic talent. If he wants original art work, buy some of the fabric paints or dyes (most of these can be heat set by 20 minutes in a dryer) ; then add the wonder under according to directions and you have an original art work iron on patch to be used to create another piece of wearable art...Or he can use the paints and dyes to decorate items (vests, pants, etc..) that could be sewn by him or purchased RTW.. 
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 07-12-2004, 05:21 PM (8 of 17)
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You can buy paper for your computer printer that you print out a design then iron it onto the fashion fabric. I often use the heat set marking pins and rubber stamps and just bought some pastels that heat set that I am anxious to use with stencils. Someone who draws could use these for original designs but I stick with stamps and stencils. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: ramonamom2002
Date: 07-15-2004, 11:53 PM (9 of 17)
Thanks for the iron on patch ideas. I told my son about the computer paper you mentioned DorothyL and my son was really interested in that idea. Besides being a great pencil and paper artist, he can do wonders creating graphics on the computer, he is already begging me to get him this printer paper. I'm going to get myself this wonder-under that LeapFrog Libby talked about. I have always wondered how people make the iron on appliques that I have purchased on ebay that I have seen fabric for at the store. Now I know and can make my own! Thanks for the ideas!!! 
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User: ramonamom2002
Member since: 07-11-2004 Total posts: 3
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From: Magot
Date: 07-16-2004, 05:02 AM (10 of 17)
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I have used the computer paper - great project for kids but the colours are not strong enough to go on a black t shirt. This will be extrememly frustrating to any punk lad! Works great on white, and I can't imagine him in pastels.... When using it It can only go through the printer once so crowd that sheet with ideas or you waste the paper. Don't rush when peeling off the backing and read the directions carefully about mirror images! It is fun stuff to use - maybe he could make a background onto a piece of cotton and then free hand embroider over the top before applying it as a patch to a t-shirt? The fabric paint felt pens are good - dense colour and again can be used to make patches - combine art with design technology! The 13 year old lads in our school make these http://www.greneway.herts.sch.uk/dt/images/Textiles/Year8hangers/hangersports.jpg hanging pockets with the front patches made with fabric pens and embroidery over batting. enjoy whatever you do together. love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626 
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From: Holly Berry
Date: 07-16-2004, 06:55 AM (11 of 17)
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There all kinds of neat stuff for bedrooms in pattern books. Throw pillows for the floor. Sitting up pillows for the top of the bed. They could be made in fake leather with more of those music patches. Just a idea. My son never ask for anything except shorts. I did make him do small things himself like buttons and tears. He is now in the military and he helps the other men. I sent him boxer shorts made out of fabric with the army logo all over them. He loved them (or thats what he told me). HollyBerry 
Holly Berry
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User: Holly Berry
Member since: 09-10-2003 Total posts: 77 
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From: MartySews
Date: 07-18-2004, 07:26 PM (12 of 17)
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One project that might appeal to guys are making locker caddies for storing stuff in their school locker. Also shave bags, fleece socks, shower wraps, guitar cases or covers for golf clubs, drum sticks, etc come to mind when I think of things to sew for my nephews. Happy Stitching! Marty
It takes one moment to change a life.
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User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 504
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 07-19-2004, 11:35 AM (13 of 17)
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Marty , In the same vein, fabric roll ups for tools, etc.. These are really good for sets of wrenches. (open end)..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022
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From: sewsweet
Date: 09-04-2004, 07:01 PM (14 of 17)
| HI, I too have teenage boys. One idea would be a landscape quilt. They are easy to make, and they could personalize it into a real piece of art for their room. There are books at the library on landscape quilting, and other sewing projects. |
User: sewsweet
Member since: 09-02-2004 Total posts: 6 |
From: fabricrat
Date: 09-10-2004, 10:44 AM (15 of 17)
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I have a teenage son (15 now soon 16). He has taken sewing at our local sewing school for 3 years now. He first made sleeping pants, zippered pull-over hoodie, with a matching balaclava(sp?). He has since made two button up shirts, a duster (long riding coat), zippered pants/shorts as well as a few other items he gave as gifts. He was taking computer technologies in school and they were doing silk screening. Well, he decided to make a pullover hoodie (no zipper) and silk screened his own design on the back. If these boys have the desire, anything they are interested in - they can make. |
User: fabricrat
Member since: 03-29-2003 Total posts: 9 
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From: MaryW
Date: 09-10-2004, 10:46 AM (16 of 17)
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Fabricrat, sounds like your son has a creative streak thru him. That pullover sounds awesome.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: fabricrat
Date: 09-10-2004, 10:51 AM (17 of 17)
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He is quite creative and talented. His coat went to the Husquvarna convention this year. He made it in his second year of sewing. He did embroidery on it as well.
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User: fabricrat
Member since: 03-29-2003 Total posts: 9
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