Encouraging Young Quilters Through School Projects
Encouraging young quilters provides a rewarding experience, for me and the youngsters. Ive been involved in several quilting projects in schools. Theyve all been different, yet all very enjoyable.
With some I visited the school to speak about and teach quilting. Others have occurred at a distance, through e-mail and postal correspondence. Often the school coordinator wants me to coordinate quilting with one or more subjects being taught.
For instance, a sixth grade class studying colonial life and crafts invited my daughter and me to give a brief talk about early American quilting. Then we started the students on a simple quilting project the teacher would help them finish. (This was a one time visit to the class.)
At another school we were asked to design a quilt hanging depicting the history of the town. We worked with third and eighth grade students, over a four-week period, teaching them to cut out blocks and sew together. My daughter designed the town history blocks for them to use.
My most recent school project involved participating in an Author/Illustrator quilt. Several childrens authors and illustrators were asked to sketch a character or design on a piece of fabric provided by the second grade class.
I drew the Cookie Lady from my anthology of childrens stories, Tales of Adventure & Discovery. What fun to receive a picture of this quilt and find the Cookie Lady among the blocks by well-known childrens authors.
I find quiltmaking opens up many enjoyable opportunities. Working with children and teaching them about quiltmaking and the history of this art helps to ensure its continuance for years to come.
©2005 Mary Emma Allen
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POSTED IN: General Quilting/Patchwork
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