Recently I worked with Moon's class to create and clothe Colonial dolls. When I volunteered, I took some things for granted. I thought that most of the thirty fifth graders would have some sewing experience. Wrong. Most had never touched a needle or even seen a pincushion before. At my old job I began working with the children in Pre-K, so that by the time they were in fifth, they had some skills. While introducing the project, there was panic and disbelief. I assured them I hadn't lost a stitcher yet.
We all survived, none of the dolls are naked, and I think most of them had fun. Thank goodness for the few who had some skills, especially this girl and her nimble fingers, who threaded needles as fast as lightning!