We are simply over the moon about AuriKids, a brand new series dedicated to young creative minds. Here in this industry, we herald creative expression, we tout the amazing projects and works of art that we see, most of which are created by grown-ups;). That is certainly all well and good, but these new boxes… they are for the kids. They were curated by kids, are being used by kids, and will help to create countless projects by kids. Sewing and quilting are amazing skills to have. Representing creativity, craft, and utility, they are skills that are so important to this next generation. They teach patience, responsibility, follow-through… even math! But most of all, they show our kids that it’s okay to try and fail, to make mistakes, to learn from those mistakes, and then to shine and succeed.
Each of our four AuriKids have curated a small thread collection. The thread choices and cover ideas were all their own and they’ve all been working hard on ways to present their collections to the world, in addition to thinking of projects to share that might inspire other kids to get started. You’ll be hearing from them throughout the year and we’re so excited to let their creativity shine!
[Above from left: Helena’s Toy Box, Lilianna, Spool-en-dids, Puppy Love]
Let’s meet our first class of AuriKids!
GWEN SHEPPARD, Age 9
Gwen is the daughter of Aurifil Designer Wendy Sheppard of Ivory Spring. She started stitching with her mom 4 years ago and is already an incredibly skilled cross-stitcher. She stitched a magnificent sampler using threads from her AuriKids collection, a piece that we were honored to showcase in our booth last Fall at International Quilt Market. Gwen is just getting started on her creative journey and is turning her attention to quilting. We can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!
Who taught you how to sew/quilt?
It’s my Mom! But I think it’s really cool to find out that my Mom’s mother also sew. She used to make clothes for my Mom. Then, great-great-grandmother from China actually raised her son by weaving her own fabrics for sale after my great-great-grandfather passed away at a young age.
What did you love most about that experience?
Doing something new from what I normally do. My mother taught me to stitch when I was 5. So, I felt grown up working on something Mom also did. It was different from playing or learning to write and read.
Who is your favorite person to sew/quilt with?
Mom…. for now.
What is your favorite thing to make?
It used to be stitched ornaments. But recently, Mom taught me to piece my first quilt on her machine. And I absolutely LOVE that experience. Mom told me my next quilt project will combine machine piecing, as well as hand embroidery. I can’t wait.
If you could be a piece of fabric, what fabric would you be?
It would be a blue fabric with lavender flowers.
Why were you excited to have an AuriKids collection?
To let the world know kids can stitch and make beautiful things too!
What would you want to tell other kids out there who are just getting started on their creative journey?
I would tell them “welcome” to the wonderful world of needle and thread, and to always listen to the adults.
** AuriKids Inspiration **
Gwen and her mom have created 6 FREE unique ornament patterns to share. In partner with Ivory Spring, we’ll release one pattern per month for the next 6 months. The first will serve as a starter project, and Wendy and Gwen will offer tips and tricks for beginning stitching. Each successive pattern will focus on a new skill, walking young stitchers through the process of becoming confident enough to stitch on their own. They are also cooking up a free quilt pattern to share after the ornaments! Gwen’s Spool-en-dids collection features 10 small spools of our Aurifloss in a delightful range of colors. It’s the perfect starter kit for our beginner embroiderers and cross-stitchers!
Follow along with Wendy on Instagram for Gwen’s updates!
HELENA BOUDREAUX, Age 4
Helena is the daughter of Aurifil Designer Mathew Boudreaux of Mister Domestic. She has been the recipient of a slew of his fabulous handmade frocks and helps to showcase many of his projects. Beyond that, however, she already has her very own little blue Janome and a dedicated little sewing spot in her dada’s studio. She is budding sewist and quilter and we know that there is something simply magical about the creativity of a young mind.
Who taught you how to sew/quilt?
My dada is teaching me to sew.
What did you love most about that experience?
Having fun but also focusing. Trusting my dada but also learning responsibility.
Who is your favorite person to sew/quilt with?
My dada of course.
What is your favorite thing to make?
Friendship bracelets. I love all the bags my dada makes for me.
If you could be a piece of fabric, what fabric would you be?
Kitty cats, owls, and dada. It would be pink & purple.
Why were you excited to have an AuriKids collection?
Because I never had my very own threads before and I wanted to be just like dada.
What would you want to tell other kids out there who are just getting started on their creative journey?
Be super responsible and be careful of the sewing machine and have fun.
** AuriKids Inspiration **
Helena and her dad will share a handful of guest posts that focus on ways to involve a 4/5 year old in sewing projects, what skills to focus on, and fun projects to create. They would love to help our youngest sewists to gain confidence working on a sewing machine! Helena’s Tool Box features 10 small spools of our super versatile 50wt thread in a range of fabulously bold colors. Start them young, sewing with the best!
Follow along with Mathew on Instagram for Helena’s Updates!
REMY MCDONOUGH, Age 9
Remy is the daughter of Kristi McDonough of Schnitzel & Boo and The Cotton Farm. She has been sewing and making with her mom for a few years and we’ve loved seeing her projects. She’s also a budding fashionista, as evidenced by her super fab outfit and mama-made handbag! Remy has so many ideas for new projects, from stuffies to bags to quilts. We’re looking forward to following along with her creative journey!
Who taught you how to sew/quilt?
Mommy and Daydee (Kristi’s mom) taught me a month before my fourth birthday. That’s when my Daydee gave me a sewing machine. I made a pillow for my first project.
What did you love most about that experience?
Being with my mom and having fun with her. Plus, using my Daydee’s longarm machine was really cool!
Who is your favorite person to sew/quilt with?
My mom because she doesn’t get grumpy when teaching me and because she’s really good at Sewing and making Quilts.
What is your favorite thing to make?
Stuffed animals! And Quilts for my dollies!
If you could be a piece of fabric, what fabric would you be?
I’d be that amazing black and white fabric by Tula Pink! I love it so much it’s my FAAAAAAAAVORITE fabric EVER!
Why were you excited to have an AuriKids collection?
Because Aurifil is the best thread company in the world and I think it’s cool to have my name on a collection especially because I get to help the animals by donating some of my money from it to a rescue. I really want to be an animal rescuer and I’m happy that this helped me get started with that.
What would you want to tell other kids out there who are just getting started on their creative journey?
It’s easy to sew, once you get the hang of it and it’s really fun. Learn the basic stuff first, like a pillow or a simple quilt block, so you can do the harder stuff later without getting frustrated. That’s what I did and now I’ve made five Quilts already and I am working on a sixth. If you need help, you can ask me or my mom. You can do it!
** AuriKids Inspiration **
Remy and her mom will release a series of projects over the next year, starting with a stuffed animal, followed by a quilt & pillow for the stuffed animal, & a tote bag to carry it all. They’ll also share tutorials for an appliquéd/embroidered pillow and a simple travel quilt. Remy’s Puppy Love collection features 10 small spools of a variety of thread weights including our Cotton 40wt, 28wt, & Floss and our Wool 12wt… threads to use in a wide range of projects!
Follow along with Kristi on Instagram for Remy’s updates!
LILANNA KEHNLE, Age 13
Lilianna is the daughter of quilter and designer Nydia Kehnle, a super talented artist who has clearly passed along a heavy dose of creativity to her daughter. Lilianna has already made quite a mark in the world of modern quilting. She took first place in the youth division at QuiltCon 2017 with her quilt, “Gemstones”. We’re looking forward to seeing what comes next!
Who taught you how to sew/quilt?
I mostly taught myself with the help of my mom. I used books and youtube videos to figure it out.
What did you love most about that experience?
I love the repetition of sewing. I find it really relaxing. Then the best part is you have this really cool finished product that you get to say… HEY I made that!
Who is your favorite person to sew/quilt with?
My favorite person to sew with is my mom. We don’t do it often, but it’s great when we do!
What is your favorite thing to make?
I love to make clothes, especially skirts. They are very easy to make and fun to wear. I also like to occasionally make quilts.
If you could be a piece of fabric, what fabric would you be?
OH Umm that is a hard question…. I guess I would say I am a piece of Liberty tana lawn. Super soft and classic.
Why were you excited to have an AuriKids collection?
I am really excited about Aurikids! Sewing is an important skill I think everyone should learn and I am excited to share some new projects that help inspire other kids to learn how to sew.
What would you want to tell other kids out there who are just getting started on their creative journey?
I would want kids to know that in the beginning, sewing can be hard and your results may not be what you expected. But if you keep practicing and learning new things eventually you will get the results you want!
** AuriKids Inspiration **
Lilianna will focus on two primary projects that utilize both machine and hand stitching. Paper Bookmarks will give young stitchers the opportunity to experiments with fun embroidery stitches paired with straight stitches on the sewing machine. A Quilted Pillow will focus on basic patchwork, hand and machine stitched embellishments, and how to finish a panel into a pillow. Lilianna’s collection feature 5 small spools each of 50wt and 12wt thread for hand and machine stitching.
Follow along with Nydia on Instagram for Lilianna’s updates!
This is just the beginning… we can’t wait to share more! Stay tuned for new patterns & tutorial, guest posts, giveaways and more!
Very cool!
Thanks Debbie!! We are super excited!
What a great idea and good projects too.
Sent from my iPad
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Thanks so much Leslee! We’re excited and the first project just went up today!
This is such an exciting new and innovative series featuring inspirational artists. I have learned long ago that wisdom is not measured by age and humanity has much to learn if they take the time and LISTEN to our youth:) BRAVO to ALL of the children who are leading the way!
So incredibly well put, Lorraine!! 🙂 Thank you and yes, Bravo to these fabulous kiddos!!
This is such an exciting adventure for these young sewists!! I’m looking forward to seeing their creations. I’m also excited to learn from these talented young artists!! Enjoy every moment of the journey!! Lots of Hugs for each!
Thank you Joyce!! We just posted the first project today:)
this is wonderful. i love that you are showcasing these young people
Thank you, Lori! They are so creative — we can’t wait to see the projects they share!!
What a great idea. Very accomplished young ones already!
Thank you Carla! We think they are pretty amazing!
Love this. Looking forward to more and sharing what I can with my five year old:)
Wonderful, Hannah!! I hope that you both have fun:). I’ll be working through some of the projects with my 4 year old too!