The positive reaction to Stacy Iest Hsu’s beloved cut-and-sew dolls, as well as teaching her own kids to sew got Stacy thinking. How could she help kids build their sewing skills, while creating memories of sewing with friends or family members at the same time?

She thought about a project-of-the-month or subscription-based approach but searching out manufacturers was an overwhelming task. And then Moda’s design director Cheryl Freydberg approached Stacy about doing projects for kids. Cut. Sew. Create is the exciting result of this meeting of the minds.

Cut. Sew. Create is 15 projects, ranging from beginner-friendly cut-and-sew pillows to intermediate-appropriate Sloth and Monster zipper pouches to the most advanced: a sewing tote, pincushion, and sewing caddy. The cheery projects are cute (llama and unicorn pillows) and useful (aprons and lunch bags).

Stacy says she got ideas for the projects by paying attention to everyday activities of her own and other kids, along with researching what kids were watching on TV and social media. She found that cooking, pets, and room décor were hot topics and that holidays also played an important role. She then proceeded to design projects that would appeal to both girls and boys, in a range of ages and with a range of interests.

While teaching sewing skills was important to Stacy in designing the projects (she admits that she’s still intimidated by zippers and hopes kids who make the zippered pouches will conquer zipper fears), she’s also would like to help steer kids away from screens and into the pleasures of working with their hands.

Along with that she hopes the projects will inspire confidence—“I can make that!”—and enthusiasm for making their next project. And finally, Stacy wants to help kids and those who sew with them to create memories. She remembers sewing with own mother, visiting her grandmother to see the projects she was working on, and modeling the outfit she’d made in a 4-H fashion show and seeing her grandmother and mom in the audience. “These are wonderful memories, and my hope is that Cut. Sew. Create will create these same memories,” says Stacy.

So whether you’re a parent, grandparent, homeschooler, a
quilt shop with classes for kids, or a Brownie or 4-H leader, you’ll appreciate
these kits, which come with how-to instructions.

While talking with shop owners at Quilt Market in May, Stacy realized that kids aren’t the only ones excited about Cut. Sew. Create. A lot of adults said “I want to make one myself!” says Stacy. “You might already know how to sew, but they make great gifts, too.” So whether you’re interested in helping a newbie become more experienced, or stitching a quick present, check out Cut. Sew. Create, projects guaranteed to put a smile on the face of young and the slightly more mature alike.