Aunt Camp

When I was teaching, I was often asked if I had children, and I would answer, "Yes, 600." It never occurred to me that I would not have children, but at some point, I realized not only do I have students, but also 14 nieces and nephews, and Aunt Camp was born. 
Nine of the fourteen were local, so in the summer (trying to fit in out-of-towners when possible), I would have two or three at a time to come and spend the weekend. The first stop was the fabric store to get supplies for a sewing project, then off to my house. Aunt Camp always included:

• Sewing the project of their choice
• trying new food (spaghetti squash, catfish, Thai peanut chicken) that they often helped prepare.
• a movie at the theater 
• some work around the house (my Amish lawnmower was always a thrill, and my nephew Jed vividly remembers building stone walls around the gardens.)

Optional activities were:

• pottery
• stained glass
• stepping stones
• other crafts

I enjoyed our time together and  the challenge of finding a way for them to be successful while making what they wanted in the time we had. They always seemed pleased with their finished creations.
Some projects they choose were:

• bean bag chairs & pillows
• a kilt complete with a mink sporran (pouch) and hat
• hunting boot waterproof covers (I don't recomend this one)
• backpacks
• puppets​

Aunt Camp was a great way to make memories and connect with my nieces and nephews while helping them feel accomplished. (And yes, that is a spaghetti squash from my garden in the pocket of Luke's study pillow!)

Sew what?  Sew Anything!!