Since my kids and I are stuck inside with the cold weather, I thought it might be a good time to introduce them to some basic sewing projects. What are some good ones to get them started?

For very young kids, you'll want to start slow. Even just "sewing" a string through holes punched in thick paper is a good introduction to the basic concept. Of course, older kids will get much more satisfaction from actually making something. This simple pocket purse is one of the easiest projects I know--and is a great way to recycle an old pair of blue jeans. Another good beginner project--embroidered sweater--will familiarize young seamstresses with a few of the basic stitches.

To help keep track of her pins and needles, your child can sew a cute little pin cushion. It can be the centerpiece of his or her beginner sewing kit. Other good items to include (use a shoebox or old lunchbox as a container) are a thimble, small scissors, a variety of needles, an assortment of thread, a tape measure and a small jar of buttons.

Ann Hallock is the editor of FAMILYFUN, a magazine for parents of kids ages three to 12 that reaches 1.3 million readers monthly. She also contributed to the books FAMILYFUN CRAFTS, FAMILYFUN'S PARTIES and DISNEY'S FAMILY COOKBOOK, and appears regularly on television, including the PBS series, "Hands on Crafts for Kids."