NOTE: This description is for the 2023 Sewing Camp. The 2024 Sewing Camp description and registration information will be posted in January 2024. Please check back then for more information and to register.

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Artist-in-residence Natalie Norman guides children on sewing a child-size pocket purse (kjolväskor) that American Girl Doll Kirsten wears. The kjolväskor can be worn around the waist or as a shoulder bag.

This is the perfect introduction to sewing and embroidery for children to learn these skills as well as for advanced beginners to continue to grow their skills. At least three embroidery stitches will be used to create the kjolväskor.

Natalie also shows children the many kjolväskor that she has created and how they compare to the historic ones in Gammelgården’s collection.

In addition to the hour and a half that children work with Natalie each day, there are many other fun activities:

– Tour Gammelgarden’s historic buildings and discover items early settlers used in their everyday lives.

– Do craft projects.

– Play pioneer games – like Hoop-and-Stick as well as try out small pioneer toys including Cup-and-Ball, Jacob’s ladders, Yo-Yo’s, Spinning tops, and more.

– Spend time in the heirloom gardens and see what types of vegetables, herbs, and fruits were grown in 1850-1880.

– Explore the prairie and discover wildlife that calls this area home.

Children are encouraged to dress up in costumes reflective of pioneers and/or early Swedish immigrants.

Offered: Tuesday and Wednesday, August 8-9, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Ages: Children entering first grade through sixth grade.

Fee: $90 members/$115 non-members (all supplies included).

Bring: Lunch, water bottle, and a change of clothes.

Registration Deadline: July 20. Limited to 16 children. Make your reservation early to guarantee a spot.

Cancellation Policy: Up to 3 weeks before the event – 50% refund. Under 3 weeks before the event, no refunds.

DETAILED SCHEDULE:

Tuesday, August 8th

10:00-10:15 – Welcome and overview of the day

10:15-11:00 – Breakout Session – 1A

GROUP BLUE – Session 1A with Natalie – Hear about the history of kjolväskor (purse), introduction to the sewing project, and choose supplies to create a kjolväskor.
GROUP YELLOW – Session 1A with Gammelgården Intern and Volunteers – Learn about how immigrants in the 1800s would have dyed clothing and then make a contemporary tie-dye t-shirt.

11-11:15 – Break/Explore Discovery Stations related to arts and crafts, farming, nature, and pioneer games

11:15-12:00 – Breakout Session – 1B

GROUP BLUE – Session 1B with Gammelgården Intern and Volunteers – Learn about how immigrants in the 1800s would have dyed clothing and then make a contemporary tie-dye t-shirt.
GROUP YELLOW – Session 1B with Natalie – Hear about the history of kjolväskor (purse), introduction to the sewing project, and choose supplies to create a kjolväskor.

12:00-12:15 – Lunch

12:15-12:30 – Games and/or Discovery Stations

12:30-12:45 – Tomte’s Treasure Hunt – Explore the two oldest buildings at Gammelgården (Old Church and Immigrant House) and find three special artifacts in each building that the Tomte has

marked with a wooden key.

 12:45-1:30 – Breakout Session – 2A

GROUP BLUE – Session 2A with Natalie – Begin sewing kjolväskor.
GROUP YELLOW – Session 2A with Gammelgården Intern and Volunteers – Go on a scavenger hunt to see what critters (birds, flowers, animals, and bugs) can be found in the restored prairie. Make a suet feeder to attract birds to your yard.

1:30-2:15 – Breakout Session – 2B

GROUP BLUE – Session 2B with Gammelgården Intern and Volunteers – Go on a scavenger hunt to see what critters (flowers, animals, and bugs) can be found in the restored prairie. Make a suet feeder to attract birds to your yard.
GROUP YELLOW – Session 2B with Natalie – Begin sewing kjolväskor.

2:15-2:30 – Discovery Stations

2:45-3:00 – Game and wrap up the day

Wednesday, August 9th

10:00-10:15 – Welcome and overview of the day

10:15-11:00 – Breakout Session – 3A

GROUP BLUE – Session 3A with Natalie – Continue sewing kjolväskor and adding decorative embroidery stitches to it.
GROUP YELLOW – Session 3A with Gammelgården Intern and Volunteers – Learn about sheep and how they were used on a pioneer farm. Make a needle-felted wool acorn necklace or ornament.

11-11:15 – Break/Explore Discovery Stations related to arts and crafts, farming, nature, and pioneer games

11:15-12:00 – Breakout Session – 3B

GROUP BLUE – Session 3B with Gammelgården Intern and Volunteers – Learn about sheep and how they were used on a pioneer farm. Make a needle-felted wool acorn necklace or ornament.
GROUP YELLOW – Session 3B with Natalie – Continue sewing kjolväskor and adding decorative embroidery stitches to it.

12:00-12:15 – Lunch

12:15-12:30 – Games and/or Discovery Stations

12:30-12:45 – Tomte’s Treasure Hunt – Explore the other three historic buildings at Gammelgården (Pastor’s House, Barn, and Stuga) and find three special artifacts in each building that the Tomte has marked with a wooden key.

 12:45-1:30 – Breakout Session – 4A

GROUP BLUE – Session 4A with Natalie – Finish sewing kjolväskor.
GROUP YELLOW – Session 4A with Gammelgården Intern and Volunteers – Learn all about bees and how pioneers collected honey to eat and wax to make candles. Make a rolled beeswax candle to use at home.

1:30-2:15 – Breakout Session – 4B

GROUP BLUE – Session 4B with Gammelgården Intern and Volunteers – Learn all about bees and how pioneers collected honey to eat and wax to make candles. Make a rolled beeswax candle to use at home.
GROUP YELLOW – Session 4B with Natalie – Finish sewing kjolväskor.

2:15-2:30 – Discovery Stations

2:45-3:00 – Wrap up the day and closing activity