The Perfect Date

On Thursday evening I went on the perfect date with my little guy, Beech. It was wonderful! First, we went to Panda Express (Beech’s favorite restaurant) then we walked a few doors down to Baskin Robbins Ice Cream Parlor where we both had scoops of chocolate ice cream on candy dipped cones. As we sat, we  had a chance to catch up. Being that he is only 6 years old he shared with me that he does not have to do centers at school right now and that is “really great”. It can be so funny to hear about the trials and tribulations within the kindergarten world.

After dinner and desert, we drove to Burlingame where Beech had his first official sewing class at http://marinassewingschool.com/ Beech has been spending time with me in my studio learning to sew. I originally purchased a singer toy battery operated machine for him. Despite the many warnings that these machines are really junk or toys—I fell for one anyway. And true to form….as the reviews promised—IT WAS JUNK! So, I have been teaching him on my Viking. It has a few kid friendly features; needle drop down and speed control. The speed control has been especially significant and helpful. Now I am just trying to order a finger guard and we will be all set.

Anyway, Marinas Sewing School is a darling little home sewing—just for kids. There were four other girls in his class who were nine, ten and twelve years old. Quietly, I went to sit in the other room while he had his first lesson. The girls were all curious that a boy was there, but they eventually got used to it. In the span of one hour Beech learned to cut out fabric, pin it, wind a bobbin, thread the machine and sew the perimeter of the bag. He was so happy with his little bag. Marina had to put a few phone books on a stool under his feet so he could reach the pedal and... that little boy—determined as ever, put the pedal to the metal. Over all, I was really impressed with her gentle, yet direct approach to teaching the kids. They were all at different levels, so she had to bounce around helping them learn different techniques. Anyway, it was a perfect date with one of my favorite people in the whole universe and I can’t wait to do it all over again next Thursday!