Corps of Re-Discovery: Quilting

My family always enjoys hands-on activities that go along with what we are studying. I have no problem coming up with creative hands-on learning projects for my toddler and preschooler, but I struggle with adding educational/practical crafts for my older kids. If you are studying or going to be studying about American Indians, Frontiersmen or Pioneer/Colonial America, then you'll need to check out the Corps of Re-Discovery. They carry craft kits of all types that fit with those genres.

Now this isn't just for girls----there are craft kits for boys too.  There's the Lewis and Clark Study Pack with Kit, Frontier Craft Pack, Arrow Kit and more.

I was sent the Patchwork Doll Quilt Kit. My 12 yr. old daughter was extremely excited when I told her she could make it. About a week earlier, the girls in our local co-op group had created their own informal quilting circle. Now my daughter had her own quilting project to do with them!

The kit included pre-cut fabric squares (a big plus!), backing, batting, thread, yarn and instructions. The only other thing I wish they would have included was a needle. I only do stitching/sewing in Photoshop, so we did not have any needles in our home. Needles are included in other craft kits, so it would be nice to have everything needed to start the project right in the bag.

Corps of Re-Discovery's was kind enough to explain why the needle is not included: Thanks for your kind comments. Because of the new CPSIA law, and that this kit is marketed to children under 12, we can no longer include the needle with the kit (we used to). If we did, we would have to have the needles tested for lead (about $2,000 per test). We wish it were not so, but we have to abide by the law.

My daughter worked on this project independently (she knew I wouldn't be much help--but her grandma would be if she got stuck).  At the time of this review she was almost done sewing all the squares and about ready to add the backing. Once it is finished I know it will be an adorable doll quilt. I'm proud of her for taking the initiative and sticking with the project.

What I Liked: 

I liked that I didn't have to get anything ready (minus finding a needle). The kit was self-explanatory and a great learning tool. The project materials were a nice quality and the instructions were well-written. I plan on ordering from them for some of our future craft needs.

What My Daughter Thought:

I thought the directions were useful and easy to understand. I liked that the squares were pre-cut and that the kit came with all the thread and material needed to complete the project. I liked the colors and patterns of the fabric a lot. I enjoyed working on this doll quilt and plan on giving it to my little sisters.

Corps of Re-Discovery Website
Patchwork Quilt Kit: $14.99 (currently on sale for $11.99)
There are kits that fit all price-ranges--from $5.00 to $50.00.

For More Corps of Re-Discovery Reviews See:

Disclosure: I was given this product for review purposes only. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.