These 15 free summer sewing patterns for girls are my absolute favorites—think comfy dresses, breezy tops, play-ready shorts, and a few fun extras.

Martha Heft has made almost a thousand “tummy time” quilts for babies and new moms at Healthy Start Coalition of Pinellas.

The pastime is not passé, however, as evidenced by brisk independent dressmaking pattern sales, increasing sewing machine sales and millennials’ interest in arts and crafts.

Father-of-three, Aaron Gouveia, said his nine-year-old son Sam has a passion for sewing which has meant he’s been the target of cruel taunts and bullying.

A young girl was gifted a sizeable check to purchase a new sewing machine and equipment after making 1,200 masks for health care workers fighting the coronavirus outbreak.

Bettendorf-resident Lillian Weber, who will turn 101 next month, has been sewing one dress per day for almost five years.