This is where three of my kids went today:
And this is what they did:
For four hours, they were pioneers!
Fun fun fun.
(And you see? We homeschoolers do get out. )
Here is my contribution to the event:
You think, I know, this is no big deal.
You forget, I know, that I don’t sew. Would you like me to refresh your memory? Fine, click on this link and you will see.
Go ahead. Go take a look. I’ll wait.
You’re shuddering at the memory, correct? Rightly so.
So yes, I spent a large portion of this past week well outside my comfort zone. Why did I tell them I’d make their dresses? Why did I take them to Jo-Ann’s and buy fabric? Why? Because I’m getting old, that’s why. And with old age comes insanity.
Finally I went to my friend Tina, (herself a master seamstress), and I begged & pleaded & implored her mercy.
“Margaret,” she told, “Get up off my doorstep.”
And then she let me come into her house and she helped me.
And you know what? It was worth it.
The kids had a wonderful time writing on slates and eating slabs of cheese. “No!” I told them. “You cannot bring ‘Lunchables!’” They learned about flails and sickles and bucksaws and hay knifes…
…and they ended the day with a spelling bee. A good old-fashioned spelling bee! It was just like Scripps only without the film crew.
Would you care to guess who was the last student standing?
Roll your mouse over the photo and you will see. Surprise! I really had no idea.
(It’s a penmanship thing.)
(I shouldn’t let it distract me but I do.)
The best part of the day was when they gave recitations. “Or,” said the school marm, a delightful lady, “You can all sing me a song if you like.”
So they did. They sang “Immaculate Mary.”
One of the homeschooling moms later said that “They broke out in song in praise of Our Lady” and that their voices rang out with angelic sweetness. When they had finished, the school marm said she’d never heard that song before…
…and our kids went home happy that now she has.
Ohh, I always wanted to do that as a kid and now I wish my kids could! Totally jealous of your newly acquired sewing skills now, too!
Oh, Margaret, The dresses are fabulous (all that gathering in the skirts), even bonnets, and the king speller looks very proud. And, to end it all with praise to Our Lady – what a terrific day – Wow! Congrats on your new sewing skills, and your old ones of raising smart (and adorable) children !!!!
The dress is beautiful! So are your children! That sounds like such a fun day.
Happy Birthday friend!
You should take you un sewing skills out more often, very nice……..what a fun fun looking day!!
signed
Theresa in Alberta
The dresses look wonderful! Good for you for breaking out of your comfort zone!
Can you tell me what schoolhouse your children attended?
Looks like fun!
Julianne in MN
How fun!!!
It was this school, Julianne. 🙂
That is about the coolest homeschool day I have seen in a while. What a great experience…
The dresses were awesome…you did a great job! High five to you girl.
Is this the place in Edina off of HW 100 by the Perkins?
If so – we love that place (haven't been there for a while). If not, where is it?
Margaret,
I'm so impressed with the dresses! Can you tell me which pattern you used or any tips or tricks?
After a trip to Colonial Williamsburg, my daughter Margaret wants a "colonial" dress for Halloween. I'm an un-sewer too, although I'd like to learn.
What a wonderful day! Looks like something my children would really enjoy!
Great job on the dress!!! I would be in your shoes if it had been me. I can't sew from a pattern to save my life. And, I do so "love" it when people say, "Oh, it's so easy!!!" ugh. Not when you're unsure of yourself. So.
Great post! The kids look like they had a great time! (I'd have loved this myself at any age, to be honest). I'm very pleased the schoolmarm got to hear a song for Our Lady. That is just awesome!
How delightful! You did a great job on the costumes! I want to make bonnets for my little girls. Maybe I should try to make dresses, too. 🙂
Awesome job on the dress. You can do it!
And I think oral spelling quizzes are just the thing for that very proud young man. Get over the pencil and paper, mama.
Michael: Yes
Elizabeth: I used two patterns–Simplicity 3725 for the dress and McCall's 9424 for the smock.
Everyone: Thank you! Your comments are encouraging to the point where I might–just might–attempt sewing again.
I did enjoy it…
Margaret, Great dress! You are a better seamstress than you know!
What a wonderful opportunity for your kids. Wish we had a schoolhouse like that near us.