Making and Mastering

Starting a sewn creation is a task in itself.  Since making something from scratch requires many steps, it is best to begin by brainstorming and drawing out various ideas.  This artist decides on an image and remembers that she first needs to focus on the overall shape.

Proceeding with the next step, the artist cuts out the body outline.  Keeping in mind that the two sides of the body will be attached and turned inside out, the artist keeps the pattern fairly large, so that it doesn't become too small to work with when it shrinks. 

After tracing the pattern onto fabric that she will use for one side of the body, the artist carefully uses the scissors to cut along this outline.  Utilizing fine motor skills is necessary for this step and teaches the artist that taking her time is also essential.

Continuing to focus, the artist draws and cuts out the details for her creation's face.  These features will be sewn on to one of the body's sides.  

Carefully, she again traces the detail cut outs onto fabric, so that she can cut them and pin them on.  All of these steps are important and require great attention, so that the pieces all fit together.

Now, the creation's characters starts to emerge, as the artist sews on the facial features.  Deciding exactly where they should go and keeping them pinned in place takes concentration and diligence.  This artist does a great job of checking and re-checking to make sure the fabric doesn't move.

Though she engages in conversation with her peers and enjoys the social aspect of this craft, the artist is still able to work on her project and take breaks as necessary.  It is important to be able to put her material down every now and then, so that she can get a fresh perspective and continue where she left off.

Recalling the basic techniques of threading a needle and tying a knot, the artist does this over and over again as she puts together her piece.  As she works, she is mastering these skills.

Persisting through struggles and solving problems as they come, the artist develops confidence and knowledge.  She has all the tools that she needs to break through any barriers and make her ideas work.

After completing the final touches on the face, the artist is able to put the body's pieces together.  As her creation takes shape, the artist feels a sense of accomplishment and pride.  

The stitches are strong and the stuffing is in place, as the artist's idea comes to life.  Getting to this point allows one to understand the importance of each step that was taken along the way.  This young artist came into the studio not knowing exactly what she wanted to create.  However, she left with the belief that she can both make and master, if she just puts her mind to it.