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One of the greatest things about sewing is the opportunity to express yourself, be creative, and show your unique style.

I read a great quote (unfortunately I didn't write down the author in my journal) part of which stated, "the problem with many human systems and organizations is that they... promote unity to the extent that the individual becomes a member of the herd and loses himself".

Any of us who have gone to school as a child, can understand this statement. How sad it is that some kids get so heavily influenced by peer pressure that they lose themselves, and their ability to celebrate their own special uniqueness.

Sewing can provide an awesome opportunity for kids/all people to step out of the box and be themselves.

Encourage all of your kids to find a way to place their own mark on what they are making. It can be using a different colored thread for a top stitch, adding a piece of fringe or rick rack, sewing a zigzag stitch instead of straight ones.

If you are following a pattern, find a way to add something to the directions. By doing this not only are you encouraging them to be themselves, you are also helping them to expand their creativity and to not be afraid to try something new.

Some great ways for beginners to do something different and special, is by buying a plain colored t shirt, and letting them add some lace on the sleeves or at the bottom of the shirt. Young kids that can't sew straight, can sew zigzag stitches in different colors all over the bottom of a shirt.

We enjoy giving a special touch to some of our clothes we buy. Especially adding things to our jeans and shorts. The main thing you are wanting them to learn, is that there is no right or wrong with creativity.

For those of you who are interested in the full quote:

"True, we are important as individuals, but the individual is understood primarily in terms of his unity with others. The trouble with many human systems and organizations is that they promote man's individuality at the expense of his relationship with others, or promote unity to the extent that the individual becomes a member of the herd and loses himself. The key to the balance between individuality and unity is found in sharing ideas with one another in mutual trust and appreciation. Each one finds himself as he experiences this fellowship with others and with God."

Did you get that, "the key to the balance between individuality and unity is found in sharing ideas with one another in mutual trust and appreciation". You can provide this balance when you are sewing with your children. An opportunity for each of you to work together on completing a project, and each of you sharing, presenting, and appreciating each other's unique addition to the design.

Sometimes, as authority figures, we can get lost in having everyone follow the rules exactly, that we miss opportunities for these little ones to show us new ways to see and do things. My girls have taught me completely new ways of putting something together, through their own unique sewing style.