Just Because there is a PATTERN doesn't mean that we all are the same...

In life we tend to follow patterns. The pattern of our morning routine, the way we put our shoes and socks on (I am a both socks then both shoes kind of girl), the pattern of how we eat our corn on the cob (typewriter style, circle style or just all over the place) right down to following the patterns of our parents and grandparents; good or bad. I like patterns. I like that I know what to do to get to point A, but what I love most is that although I do things in a pattern I am always able to change it up! I am always thinking of ways to make this "pattern" of life better or more my style. Although life has a pattern it doesn't mean we all have to be the same. Be unique. Be you. Make the best pattern you can. This too applies to the patterns that we have been following in Home Economics.

I love watching these young girls come into their own, creating their own things all very different but everyone is following the same pattern. Each Lady Bug we made was so original. Some had small eyes and big spots and others with big eyes and small spots. Some had 3 spots and others had 6 spots. Sewing is such a great way to express ones self. Although there is a pattern to follow so you know where you are going, it doesn't mean we all have to be the same. In just a few short weeks so far I have seen these young kids be uniquely creative. Everyone is doing such a great job! It is my hope that they learn to love patterns but that they challenge themselves and push themselves to make them their own.

Last Couple of Weeks:

Finishing up pin cushions...they turned out so great! Good Luck for sure is on these kids side with a lady bug in their bag!

Working on Glove Bunnies. Sewing up socks which will turn into the legs for the bunnies. Can't wait till they start hopping away!

The Beginning...

I don't know who was more excited about the start of my Home Economics classes, the kids or me! It was so much fun to meet your darling children and be able to teach them. I wish I would have taken Home Economics when I was young and had the chance, but I missed out. Here is my story...

When I was in the 7th grade at Serrano Junior High School home of the Sea Hawks (more like home of the pooping birds), I was introduced to Home Economics 101. A lot of my friends signed up for this class and secretly I really wanted to join in the fun. However; I picked ASB (student government) for my elective and couldn't fit Home Ec in my schedule. I was so sad every time I saw my friends make the cutest outfit, or when I walked by the class and the aromas that would come out from the door made me want to sneak in and pretend that I was some exchange student that just joined the class. So I told myself the next year I was going to take Home Ec! You snooze you lose Allison! When I went into the 8th grade they did away with Home Ec! What! Can't be! I was secretly so devastated. So I turned my devastation into the adolescent "Whatever" attitude we all know too well. I refused to sew! I refused to be domestic at all!

It wasn't until I was in college and living in a condo with five girls that I was reminded of the LOVE that I have always had for food. The LOVE I always had for creating something from nothing. So that Christmas rather than asking for the typical gifts of clothes and shoes that every college girl desires I asked for a Kitchen Aid mixer, cookie sheets, pots and pans, as well as a sewing machine. My mom thought I must have hit my head and had split personality disorder. I can still hear her saying "WHAT??? Allison is this really you?" I still have the Kitchen Aid mixer, the cookie sheets and my Brother sewing machine, and boy have they been put to work!

So the thought of getting young kids excited about sewing, cooking and becoming domestically creative brings a smile from ear to ear! It truly is a shame that schools do not teach these great skills everyone should know...but that's why I'm here! The 1950's have come and gone but the importance it put on teaching Home Economics to the young generation was invaluable! And it's making a come back right in my own home!

Thank you for letting your children learn and grow and express themselves creatively! They will gain valuable skills that will stay with them for their entire life!

Here is what we did in Week 1:

Working on our Ladybug Pin Cushion. Girls had to pin the pattern to the fabric. This was tough for some to do, but everyone did great. Then they had to trace the pattern onto the felt. Cutting was next followed by using a Running Stitch to put the face, and polka-dots onto the body of the lady bug. The girls should complete this project next week.