Kids love to sew, and your children can make simple sewing projects even if they aren't old enough to use a sewing machine. A child who's able to handle a needle and thread is capable of making bean bags and pot-pourri (POE pour-ee) sachets (sah-SHAYZ). For bean bags, you'll need to get two felt squares, a large-eyed needle, such as an upholstery needle, and embroidery floss or yarn. Have your child sew together three edges of the two felt squares with a simple running stitch around the edges. Put in the beans and have him or her sew up the fourth side. To make the sachets, cut a circle of fabric about ten inches in diameter. Lightly mark all around the circle about one inch from the edge with a pencil. Have your child sew a running stitch on the markings, put some pot-pourri in the center of the fabric and draw up the stitches. Tie the ends of the thread together and the sachet is ready to use. If your preschooler wants to learn to sew, wash off a styrofoam meat tray, then punch holes around the edges. With a shoe lace, the youngster has a sewing card and everyone is happy and satisfied.
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