Teaching Ben to Sew

Ben had an American Revolution project for Social Studies.  He chose to make an American Flag.  When he told me about it, I assumed he would use construction paper and glue.  When it was time to start the project, he told me he wanted to actually sew the flag.  I convinced him felt was an acceptable material and figured I could teach him, after all, it's just a few straight lines.

I remember when my mom tried to teach me to sew.  She's a perfectionist.  I'm a "good-enough-ist."  It didn't go well.  Every time she told me to pick out a seam and do it over, I'd say, "But mom, it's good enough!" Not for her, it wasn't.  I had to pick it out and do it over and over until it was just right.  Now, teaching  Ben to sew, I heard myself saying, "Looks good!" and Ben saying, "No, mom, it's not straight.  I need to do it over." Clearly my mom's perfectionism skipped a generation!

 

He worked on it until he felt it was perfect and was very pleased with the result!