Sophie KerrA Kid's Guide to Sewing: Learn to Sew with Sophie & Her Friends • 16 Fun Projects You'll Love to Make & Use

I cannot say enough good things about this book. I am a total novice to sewing. My 9 year old daughter asked for a sewing machine, and I was hesitant because I myself have no knowledge of using one. She was very insistent about owning a sewing machine. Honestly, I let the issue go for almost a year to make sure she was truly interested in sewing, plus I was intimidated by the idea of using a sewing machine. Well she kept insisting she wanted a sewing machine, and after extensive research I purchased a sewing machine and this book. I know you probably didn't need all of this background information, but I wanted you to know where I am coming from in reference to using this particular book.It has been the most informative and helpful reference I have used up to this point on using and caring for a sewing machine. I particularly like the fact that it uses a computerized sewing machine as a reference. All the other references uses standard sewing machines, and it was becoming overwhelming and confusing for me. This book breaks everything down into simple language. Yes children's language, but for me it was the best way to teach me and my daughter. The language is by no means condescending, but it is clear and concise.It reviews sewing must; such as, materials, tools, sewing machine parts, and the basics of sewing. I was particularly pleased with the basics of sewing section, because it includes measuring the body and fixing mistakes. The projects themselves are cute, simple, and practical. They include a simple pillow, a headband, backpack decorations, and a pool cover-up. These are just a few of the 16 projects, and they progress from simple to more complex. My daughter is so anxious to do all of the projects. Actually, I myself am excited to get started on the projects.

This is a fabulous book for young sewers! I saw an interview with the author, Sophie, and her mom on Nancy Zieman's "Nancy's Corner". She's a very impressive young lady! I ordered two of these: one for my 8 year old niece and one for me. That way, the two of us can talk sewing long distance. I can also use my copy as a reference for my after-school sewing club.This book has good photography (lots of pictures) and great descriptions. Sophie teaches how to use basic sewing tools and the basics of the sewing machine. There are many projects that appeal to young people such as bags, some clothes, and accessories. It offers a tangible and valuable alternative to watching TV. Besides, learning some sewing skills helps a child throughout life. I highly recommend this book for youngsters learn to sew. And I hope Sophie keeps providing inspiration to young people for a long time to come.

This is my seven year old daughter favorite sewing book, and I think it is my favorite of her beginning sewing books as well.The good--it is written from a child to a child, making it very easy for a child to understand. Frustrated parents everywhere know that sometimes kids will listen better to their friends than to grown ups, and the author comes out feeling like a friend to your child.The great--there are time estimates for each project. Another plus is that it is very realistic, and the author shares her own experiences and struggles, so if your child has trouble with a project they won't feel like they are the only one.The awesome--my daughter loves the projects in the books, so they are appealing, AND most all of them are things that I won't mind having around the house. Most are quite functional, and there is a pretty good variety of project types. To make things even better, they are arranged in order from simplest project to the most complex, so it is easy to tell whether a project is going to be feasible for your child or not.

Though I like a lot of things about this book, I have some complaints about specific project instructions. I'll give you the low-down on all the things I like and the details I wish would have been addressed.Pros:1. Lots of good information. The book doesn't just jump into the project instructions right away, it starts out with information about fabrics, notions, supplies, techniques, and sewing machines. My daughter found this to be very exciting; after reading, she felt like an expert already.2. Projects arranged in order of difficulty. That way, you aren't hunting through the whole book for something you can actually do. You know that the first projects you can handle right away, and the later projects will be doable once you have some experience.3. Pictures/sketches of each step and tips to avoid common problems. This makes the instructions easy to understand and helps kids to avoid frustration.4. Wide variety of projects. Not only are all the projects ones that tweens/early teens might actually use, but there's something that would appeal to pretty much anyone. Additionally, many of the projects have notes about variations you could try.5. This might be nit-picky, but I like the variety of people pictured. Though I bought this book for my daughter, I have sons who also enjoy sewing occasionally. Unlike most books, this one actually has a couple boys pictured working on pillows or other non-girly projects. There are also kids of varying ethnicities, which some books don't bother with. The kids featured, however, look to be almost exclusively in the 10-13ish age range, if that matters to you.The cons:My main objections here have to do with particular project instructions. For example:1. The headband project can be quite difficult to get the elastic through. In a later project, the book notes that some elastic is wider than specified and thus you should measure your elastic and adjust sewing accordingly to be sure your elastic can easily slide through the sleeve you sew--but it doesn't mention that in the "easy" headband project, making it a bit frustrating if you either a) can barely get your elastic in or b) have to turn your fabric sleeve back inside-out, rip out all your stitches, and re-sew the whole business with a narrower seam allowance because your elastic won't go through at all.2. The skirt project is misleading/unclear. The girls pictured have skirts that are at least knee-length (even the two-tiered skirt). The measurements given, however, result in a shorter skirt. (The top tier is 7" - 1.5" [folded down to create a channel for elastic]= 5.5" The second tier is supposed to be the waist-to-knee measure minus 7.5 inches--which, after a seam allowance to connect the tiers, results in a skirt that's about 2.5" above the knee. If your kid has short legs to begin with, 2.5" above the knee can be pretty short--and is definitely shorter than either skirt pictured.) Additionally, there is nowhere in the instructions that tells you how much elastic to use in relation to the measurements taken, and the instructions have a step where you ruffle the bottom to match the width of the top, but they never mention earlier in the instructions that you could/should have the bottom tier wider than the top to accommodate said ruffling.We've owned this book for a year and my daughter has done six of the projects (some of them multiple times). While not every project appeals to her, the projects she's done so far have provided hours of fun. She got the book at age 8 and was easily able to do the first three projects on her own with only occasional consultation regarding cutting. The projects that require finicky ironing (like folding and ironing .25") still have her looking to me for help, but I'd guess in another year (at 10) she could be almost entirely independent.