My Sister Audrey's Idea Folder

Students in my first grade class who had read Grandmother Bryant's Pocket enjoyed making their own pockets. We first discussed what they had that they would like to keep in a special pocket then we proceeded to create our own version of the pockets worn in Sarah's time. The steps below outline the procedure we used to create the pockets.
The steps:

Make a pattern and design for pockets using paper and markers. Use the patterns to cut the pocket pieces out of plain colored muslin. Children redraw designs on the material using permanent markers. Adult volunteers/older students (reading buddies?) help students fold down a 3/8 inch casing at the top of each piece (front and back) of the pocket. (The casing must be wide enough to allow a small shoelace to be threaded through the casing.) Adult volunteers machine stitch (zig-zag) the casing in place, on both pieces, or students may hand-stitch the casing down. Those stitching the pockets should then put the right sides of the two pocket sides together and stitch the sides and bottom of the pocket together. Care should be taken not to stitch close the casing for the shoelace. Turn the pocket right-side out. Push a short shoelace through each casing. Tie the laces on each side and now when the material is pushed together, the bag is closed and keeps the treasures safe inside.

Some children wanted their bags attached to long ties so that they could wear them around their waist, just like Sarah Bryant.