Corps of Re-Discovery - TOS Crew Review

I try to incorporate Charlotte Mason's ideas regarding handiwork in our school routine. She believed that children as young as 9 could learn real "life skills" such as chair caning, basket making, rug making, and knitting. (I can certainly vouch for a 9 year old knowing how to crochet and do a simple knit stitch.  Ginger was about that age when I first taught her to knit.) 

We were recently given the opportunity to try the Patchwork Quilt Kit from Corps of Re-Discovery.  Since it is a sewing kit, I knew it would fit very nicely into our day and was looking forward to reviewing it.

I loved reading the "About Us" page on their website.  Corps of Re-Discovery is a homeschooling family with three boys that set out on a 14-month journey in a 32-foot motor home exploring 47 of our 50 states.  The kits they offer are different activities they used to further enhance their hands-on learning and bring history to life.  

Our kit came with ample pre-cut squares in yellow, brown, and green print fabric, pre-cut squares of a plain cream color cotton muslin (though colors vary), a larger cream color muslin backing, batting, yarn for tying, white thread, and instructions.  Items needed but not included in the kit are a ruler, chalk pencil for marking 1/4 inch, needles (both a sewing needle and a tapestry needle), and an iron for pressing.

The directions were accurate and able to be understood.  That being said, I still had to explain the directions to my 12-year-old daughter.  I could not just give her the kit to complete.  However, once I explained what needed to be done and demonstrated the technique, she was good to go and could work independently.

What I thought about this product . . . 
I thought the kit was a great hands-on learning experience for colonial and pioneer topics.  We did have one issue.  When my daughter enjoys something, she does it . . . and does it . . . and does it.    Well, this led to some soreness in her hands.   (We are still working on completing our quilt because of this.)  I would definitely recommend limiting the amount of time your son or daughter works on this project at each sitting.  Spread it out even if they enjoy it.

The Patchwork Quilt Kit is currently selling for $11.99.    Besides this kit, Corps of Re-Discovery also offers Native American craft kits, including a tomahawk kit, and other colonial craft kits, including a corn husk doll.   You can also purchase gift certificates HERE.

You can read what my crew mates thought of these kits and others HERE.

I think many of these kits would make a great inexpensive grab bag gift at your local homeschool support group's Christmas party.

In conclusion . . .
I highly recommend this kit.  We are still enjoying it.  I'll link up a picture when Ginger completes it.




**As a member of the 2010 - 2011 TOS Homeschool Crew, I was provided a patchwork quilt kit free of charge by Corps of Re-Discovery for my HONEST opinion.  No other compensation was received.** Pin It