Holiday 2007Dear Friends,
The holiday season is upon us! Consider giving your daughter a
sewing basket, if she does not already have one. Fabric stores often have sales on lovely sewing baskets. They can be somewhat expensive, but a sturdy attractive basket will last a lifetime and inspire your daughter to sew. I still use the one given to me over 40 years ago!
In the basket, place some of the
basic supplies your daughter will need: pin cushion, straight pins, hand sewing needles, tape measure, seam gauge, seam ripper, basic colors of thread, and a good quality sewing shears. Check the notions section of the fabric store for these supplies.
If you are planning to purchase a
sewing machine, buy a sturdy one. There are some inexpensive plastic models on the market but in my experience they do not sew well and will only frustrate the user. Good tools are a worthy investment. Check the phone book for sewing machine shops in your area. Shops that repair sewing machines often have used models that are sturdy and less expensive.
Many new machines today are digital or have computerized controls. Some stores offer classes to learn to use these machines. For the beginner, I would purchase a basic machine that is not computerized. They are easier to fix, and easier to use. I personally enjoy using a 35+ year old Kenmore portable machine. It is much sturdier than the newer plastic machine I have, and it sews beautifully. Be sure to buy extra bobbins that fit the machine. I like to have at least a dozen bobbins in a plastic bobbin case (available in the notions section).
You might like to include some basic sewing instructions with a sewing basket.
Hope Chest Legacy has a wonderful section, “Handiwork Skills Every Girl Should Know” and you’ll also find “Needlework Skills” and other helpful sewing books. Go to:
http://www.hopechestlegacy.com and while you’re there be sure to read about hope chests – another wonderful gift idea.
Christmas is a time for baking. I have many fond memories of baking oodles of cookies with my Grandma at her kitchen table every Christmas.
Gingerbread cookies are fun to make and children especially enjoy decorating their gingerbread boys and girls. Many years ago, I was given the recipe below for a simple, yummy gingerbread that is especially easy for children to handle. The dough does not need to be chilled. Mix it up on the spur of the moment and let the children shape their own gingerbread creations with their fingers! You can also roll the dough out with a rolling pin and use cookie cutters, but this easy dough can be patted out by hand if you prefer. Give the children small balls of dough and let them pat them out to create arms, legs, head and body. When cool, decorate with icing, raisins and small candies or cookie decorations. Enjoy!
Easy-to-Shape Gingerbread Cookies
½ Cup butter (room temperature) or shortening
½ Cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 ½ Cups all-purpose flour
1 box butterscotch pudding (Regular or instant, but not sugar-free)
½ teaspoon baking soda
¾ teaspoon ginger (or less to taste)
¾ teaspoon cinnamon
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Cream butter or shortening with an electric mixer. Add brown sugar and beat thoroughly. Add egg and beat until well blended. Mix dry ingredients together in a separate bowl. Add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture. Mix until blended. Shape dough by hand into gingerbread boys and girls, or roll out with a rolling pin and use cookie cutters. Bake 7 – 10 minutes on greased cookie sheet. Yield: 6 – 12 cookies depending on size.
Wishing you all a Thanksgiving blessed with thankful hearts and a joyous Christmas and New Year!
Yours in Him,
Copyright, 2007, Laurie Latour.
www.FutureChristianHomemakers.com You may make one printed copy for your own personal, private use. FCH leaders may make one printed copy for each person in their group. Copyright line above must be included in all copies. Permission for any other use must be requested in writing.
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