Celine sews a Sock Monkey

March 15, 2010

Celine has been sewing up a storm these days.  To hear the sewing machine humming, to provide feedback for her design ideas and to see the quality work she's producing is such a blessing to this mama's heart. I feel a sense of deep satisfaction as she makes this learning her own, knowing that the way we've chosen to homeschool has given her the time she needs to pursue her own goals and dreams.

Sigh... I am a happy homeschooling parent.

  

One of Celine's recent projects was to sew a sock monkey for her cousin, who turns two years old the beginning of next month.  This was a paid commission from her aunt to create a handmade toy that the parents (Celine's aunt and uncle) could give to their son as a gift.  

I am so proud of Celine for accepting this project and following through.  Damien and I encouraged her to take on the project and offered whatever help she needed. But ultimately the choice to make it and the work was done by her.

We took her shopping to buy an appropriate pair of socks, helped her find a pattern, read through the instructions with her and at the very end helped her sew on the eyes and mail the finished product. But that was it, the rest was her doing. 

In case you are interested in doing a similar project this is the pattern Celine used, found at Craftbits.com. The instructions are straightforward and Celine was very pleased with the end result.

But more importantly Celine was pleased with the process. This girl loves to sew and I couldn't be happier for her. These are Celine's own words for how she feels when she's sewing, "I'm in my element!"  Music to a mother's ears. 

Filed Under

« A Week of Homeschool
Spring waits for no man (or woman) »
  • Francesca

    Francesca on March 15, 2010, 7:45 p.m.

    Beautiful sock monkey Celine! I'm sure little cousin will love it.
    The photo of Celine in her PJs and bathrobe sewing away is priceless. And how precious to have a passion, and know one's own element, so young.

    reply
  • Earth Mama

    Earth Mama on March 15, 2010, 11:58 p.m.

    So very awesome. Good job Celine! Where did you mail it to Renee? Im wondering about that part. It is always exciting when our young people choose passions that align with ours.

    :)Lisa

    reply
    • renee

      renee on March 16, 2010, 12:37 a.m.

      My nephew and his parents live thousands of miles away from us so we had to mail the gift in time for his birthday.

      reply
  • Karen

    Karen on March 16, 2010, 12:39 a.m.

    Oh, Celine, what a great job. We are thrilled that you're learning so many satisfying skills and that creating with fabric gives you such pleasure. Love, a very proud Nana and Papa.

    reply
  • Melanie

    Melanie on March 16, 2010, 2:20 p.m.

    I think you did a fabulous job! You never cease to impress me with your talents. Thank you, thank you, thank you for taking on this project. Jonas is going to love it. (He likes monkeys) I look forward to receiving it in the mail. His birthday is coming up soon, so it won't be long.....

    reply
  • Alisha

    Alisha on March 16, 2010, 4:03 p.m.

    That's awesome, Celine! Very good job!

    I'm glad she can use a sewing machine. I have a love-hate relationship with mine. It loves to make me hate it. I shake a fist, it shakes it's bobbin... it's not good. I'm really glad she can sew straight seams, not to mention make something, because that's fulfilling at any age. Love it! Good job, Renee! You done learnt yer kids, real gud.

    reply
  • Alisha

    Alisha on March 16, 2010, 6:50 p.m.

    Lol! No kidding. :) That's the Texan for you. My Dad DOES talk like Yosemite Sam, heavily accented, but he does have better grammar than that. And talk about getting happy with the commas... I tried to fix that before it posted, but nooooo.

    reply
  • Jenn

    Jenn on March 16, 2010, 8:23 p.m.

    you did a great job!!!! so cool! and i am a toy-maker myself, so i should know...it's honestly one of the best sock monkeys i've seen...i have seen some adults make them and they aren't near as cute as yours!! :0)

    reply
  • Tracie

    Tracie on March 17, 2010, 3:55 p.m.

    Nice. I'm excited for when my daughter begins to make projects like this. She's so creative and so little. I'm excited to see what she makes with her hands as she gets older.

    reply
  • Kika

    Kika on March 25, 2010, 4:27 p.m.

    Thanks for yet another great project idea, Celine (and mom!); my daughter is making a sock-monkey for a new cousin/nephew that we'll meet for the first time next week. We found camouflage wool socks and the monkey is working out well... so far:)

    reply

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