Intergenerational activity sees kids learn to sew


May 9, 2024

With support from a City of Melbourne micro-grant, East Melbourne recently held a neighbourhood sewing day.

Kids from East Melbourne Childcare Centre joined adults from East Melbourne Neighbour Network to learn how to make lavender bags ahead of Mothers Day.

Around 18 adults and 25 children attended the day, with the micro-grant being used for fabric and other supplies to support the activity.


East Melbourne Neighbour Network member, Jenny Owen's update

"We made lavender bags with the children for them to give their mothers on Mothers Day and the children were really interested to feel different fabrics and smell the lavender.

One of the volunteers said she noticed a little boy who was really quite frightened of the sewing machine at first but when his own lavender bag was sewn the smile on his face was just priceless - what a fabulous story. All the adults told me how very much they enjoyed their interaction with the children for this activity.

Several residents came and joined our kindergarten children today. They explained, the exciting activity they had planned: lavender bags for their mums as well as sewing and knitting. The bags, had been pre-sewed, and the children chose which colour or style they liked. The children sat at the table, with a couple of our new friends, and filled their bags, with lavender, using a spoon. They then added their name on the tag, and took it to the sewing machine, to be sealed.

When the children had finished, they had the choice to watch a knitting demonstration and to try it out or practice threading with the help of our friends.

Everyone had a wonderful time, and we are looking forward to our next activity at East Melbourne Library, discovering and experiencing a herb garden, followed by picnic, storytelling and activities."

Older people help kids learn to sew ahead of Mothers Day.