4-H’ers are busy getting their clothing projects ready for the upcoming 2016 Barton County Fair! It is exciting to watch the enthusiasm among the first year seamstresses. Monthly sessions of “Second Saturday Sewing” and a couple of sewing opportunities during spring break have been the catalyst to keep interest in sewing high.
Introducing kids to sewing has changed over the years. We are enjoying the sewing machines that were provided through a Golden Belt Community Foundation Grant. Most of the youngsters are quite comfortable with the push buttons that stop, start, and put the needle down into the fabric. They don’t miss the foot pedal because some have never used one. When teaching youngsters to sew I compare operating a sewing machine to driving a car. Since all of the kids are too young to drive a car, I warn them how important it is to drive slowly while they are learning to sew. The modern machines we are using have a way to adjust the speed so that it is just right.
Another neat thing that is happening through the sewing workshops is the building of relationships. We rely heavily on volunteers from the Quilt Guild and our community to assist with the sewing workshops. They seem to enjoy it and I am so thankful for their kindness and patience as they help nurture the learning that is taking place. My goal is that by creating an awareness of basic sewing skills, these students will enjoy a lifetime hobby.
Mark your calendars for Wednesday, June 29, and plan to come to the Public Fashion Revue at the Crest Theater. Clothing construction and buymanship projects will be judged earlier that day and a committee is working to make sure both the judging event and public revue run smoothly. Former 4-H’ers who were active in the clothing project have been invited back as narrators. By attending this event you will be able to see first-hand the enthusiasm for learning that takes place in the 4-H Clothing project.
Donna Krug is the Family & Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research & Extension – Barton County. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu