Stitches & Pins
A Beginning Sewing Book for Girls
and
Sewing & Growing with God's Word
by JoAnn Gagnon and Corrie Gagnon Berneking
Reviewed by Martha Robinson
Purchase details: Stitches & Pins, spiral bound paperback, $24.95. Sewing & Growing with God's Word, paperback, $8.95. Published by Bunkhouse Sewing. Please support HomeschoolChristian.com by buying these books using our Christian Book Distributors link.
Stitches & Pins is a basic "learn to sew" curriculum suitable for girls and their moms. It begins with the most fundamental material including parts of the sewing machine, sewing tools, and fabric information. Then it gives detailed but understandable instructions on every step of sewing. The authors clearly explain the "why" and "how" of patterns, cutting fabric, and sewing.
Once the basics are covered, the book continues with projects to learn on. Fourteen projects that increase in complexity are included with the final project being a nightshirt. Tear out, full-sized patterns for the projects are found in the back of the book.
Recommendation: Stitches & Pins is so easy to follow that mothers who do not sew could easily learn alongside their children. The projects may be of equal interest to boys as well as to girls and would make good gifts. JoAnn Gagnon and Corrie Gagnon Berneking's expertise in sewing is obvious; yet, they explain everything in such a way that the least experienced person can succeed quickly. The skill of basic sewing is one that will be useful and save money throughout a lifetime. Stitches & Pins is an excellent way to get started!
Sewing & Growing with God's Word
Sewing & Growing with God's Word is a devotional to be used with Stitches & Pins. Mrs. Gagnon relates many sewing activities and the particular projects to Christian principles. She asks thought-provoking questions and suggests projects and activities to build on Bible knowledge and personal faith. Each devotion ends with a Bible verse.
Recommendation: Sewing & Growing with God's Word is a creative and interesting devotional! It will bring greater depth to learning sewing. Perhaps children and parents can begin a life-long habit of praying while sewing!
HomeschoolChristian.com resources related to this review:
HomeschoolChristian.com's Hobbies Section
HomeschoolChristian.com's Homemaking Section
Review of Catch the Sewing Bug
Review of Treasury of Vintage Homekeeping Skills
