Success Stories By MajorProgram FY2024Jul 1, 2023 - Jun 30, 2024





Adaptive Sewing Class

Author: Caroline McMahan

Major Program: Apparel and Textiles (Non-Master Clothing Volunteer)

In Extension, we strive to ensure our programming is relevant and accessible to people of all levels of abilities. In partnership with the Eastern Kentucky University Occupational Therapy Program, I identified a need for adaptive sewing classes at the Fayette County Extension Office. Sewing and quilting classes are offered frequently in my county and are central to many of our community members’ lives and cultures. Thus, it is important to provide adaptive programming to address and meet t

Full Story

"SEW Monday"

Author: Angelia Swihart

Major Program: Apparel and Textiles (Non-Master Clothing Volunteer)

Sewing is a dying art and in Hancock County there has been a great interest to learn this life skill.  Newly retired women seeking new skills or hobbies and things they didn't have a chance to do when working full time.  Sewing can be beneficial to health by reducing stress, building self-esteem, and building self-worth when accomplishing tasks and learning new skills.  Adults were taught basic sewing techniques, sewing tools and how to use them, as well as constructing items

Full Story

Sew Much Fun

Author: Katelyn Squires

Major Program: Apparel and Textiles (Non-Master Clothing Volunteer)

Sew Much Fun

Sewing should be a universal skill taught throughout the world. Sewing is for everyone, no matter what age, what occupation, or what walk of life you are currently going through. Green County FCS Agent, with the help from Cumberland County FCS Agent, hosted a three-day Sewing Basics series for the local highschool fcs students. Throughout the series, students got to learn about hand sewing, machine sewing, parts of a sewing machine, basic sewing information, and create two projects in a hands-on

Full Story

Basic Serger Workshop

Author: Carla Carter

Major Program: Apparel and Textiles (Non-Master Clothing Volunteer)

DraftThe problemThe educational program responseThe participants/target audienceOther partners (if applicable)Program impact or participant response.

Full Story

SEW Beneficial

Author: Angelia Swihart

Major Program: Apparel and Textiles (Non-Master Clothing Volunteer)

SEW Beneficial

Today, basic life skills such as sewing have become a lost art.  “Sewing is a discipline that helps develop self-esteem, confidence, focus, patience, fine motor skills, problem solving, process thinking and visualization.”  Scientists have conducted studies on the relationship between quilting, sewing and wellbeing.  One even interviewed a quilting and knitting group and discovered that a solid social network was fostered, self-esteem increased motivation, and even the

Full Story

SEW Easy with Muppin

Author: Kelly Alsip

Major Program: Apparel and Textiles (Non-Master Clothing Volunteer)

Clients asked for a class to learn more about quilting for brand-new beginners who have never used their machines before and more experienced quilters.The Basic Sewing class learned how to use their sewing machines and made a pillowcase.The heirloom class discussed 3-D elements on quilts and how to add these elements using a basic sewing machine.The classes were done twice on different days to be available for new participants.We set the age requirement for 18 and up but some kids came with thei

Full Story

Let's start to Quilt

Author: Ola Donahue

Major Program: Apparel and Textiles (Non-Master Clothing Volunteer)

Stress can have a significant impact on a community, both in terms of individual health and social cohesion. High levels of stress can lead to physical and mental health issues such as high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. This can result in increased healthcare costs and decreased productivity in the workforce.  Kenton County FCS Program offering a beginning quilting class can have a positive impact on the community by providing a fun and creative outlet for i

Full Story

Jabez Quilt Seminar-An Opportunity for Connection

Author: Angie York

Major Program: Apparel and Textiles (Non-Master Clothing Volunteer)

Research shows that 24 percent of Americans aged 65 and older are socially isolated, and 43 percent of adults aged 60 and older report feeling lonely.  Loneliness is associated with a 40 percent increase in a person’s risk of dementia, a higher risk for depression, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and a weakened immune system.  Loneliness and social health are considered global public health issues due to their detrimental impact on physical and mental health.  Ac

Full Story

In Stitches

Author: Deborah Shepherd

Major Program: Apparel and Textiles (Non-Master Clothing Volunteer)

Sewing SkillsSewing skills are a vital part of life skills that can bring participants a lifetime of value.  Wayne County Extension Family and Consumer Sciences program offers a wide range of hands-on learning opportunities for community members.  In addition, FCS Agent serves as Lake Cumberland Area Master Clothing Volunteer Agent Responsible, offering additional resources and learning opportunities to grow skills and team building collaborative efforts for Master Clothing Volunteers.

Full Story