Quilty Pleasures Stitches up Many Layers of Success for Quilters

Author: Angie York

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

Quilting offers numerous health benefits, backed by research in various studies related to mental and physical well-being. A 2018 study published in the Journal of Public Health found that engaging in creative activities, like quilting, can reduce stress and anxiety by promoting mindfulness and a sense of accomplishment. The repetitive hand movements involved in quilting also provide a calming effect, similar to meditation. In terms of cognitive health, quilting requires problem-solving and plan

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4-H Sewing Workshop

Author: Angelia Swihart

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

Sewing is a skill not usually taught in homes today. But there are several benefits to sewing; it can improve hand eye coordination, improve critical thinking skills, serves as a creative outlet and can improve mental health as well as relieve anxiety.   Students feel accomplished when completing projects which build confidence and self-worth.  The audience for 4-H sewing were students aged 9-12, there were 6 students that participated over a span of 5 weeks, making three 4-H sewing pr

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Teaching Sewists to give a "Scrap" about the environment.

Author: Angie York

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

Describe the Issue or Situation.Keeping textile and fabric waste out of landfills is crucial for environmental sustainability. Textiles make up a significant portion of solid waste, with the U.S. alone discarding approximately 11 million tons of clothing and textiles annually. Fabrics, especially synthetic fibers like polyester, can take hundreds of years to decompose, releasing harmful chemicals and microplastics into the environment during the process. Additionally, the textile industry is one

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Adult Beginner Sewing Program

Author: Joni Phelps

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

Many adults in the local community expressed interest in learning sewing, a valuable skill that can enhance creativity, promote sustainability, and provide practical benefits such as mending clothing or creating home decor. However, many were deterred by a lack of knowledge, access to resources, or confidence in their abilities. Recognizing this gap, community leaders and educators saw the potential for a structured program to address these issues and support adult learners in mastering sewing s

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Sewing Basics

Author: Katelyn Squires

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

Sewing has become more popular throughout the past year. As a result of this popularity, Green County FCS was asked to teach a sewing basics program to anyone that had an interest in sewing, growing their sewing skills, or even just a place for sewers to gather and complete projects together. Seven ladies attended this program; they participated in learning about the various parts of a sewing machine and what they do, practiced their stitches on various practice sheets with different shapes, and

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4-H Beginners' Sewing Class

Author: Cathy Sparks

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

Describe the Issue or Situation.Magoffin County Schools has eliminated the sewing classes in our local high school. As a result, there are no opportunities for young people in the county to learn the skills needed to sew their own clothing or home decor items.  There is always interest by young people and adults to learn these important life skills. Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).The Beginners' Sewing class for youth 4th-6th grad

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Sewing Project with FCS high school classes

Author: Hazel Jackson

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

     The Rockcastle County Family & Consumer Sciences classes have grown in popularity with students in the last 5 years.  Introduction to Family and Consumer Sciences has grown from one session to 3 this school year.  The course explores all areas of Family and Consumer Sciences.  The high school FCS teacher and the FCS extension agent have partnered the last 3 years to allow each students to learn basic sewing skills while constructing an apron.  In April

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Stitching Together Heritage

Author: Hazel Jackson

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

A unique partnership between Rockcastle County Schools and Rockcastle County Cooperative Extension gave a group of 8th grade Gifted and Talented students the opportunity to blend creativity, culture, and hands-on learning—one stitch at a time.Over the course of five months, these students took on the challenge of sewing their own quilts, guided by 4-H Youth Development Agent Alyssa Cox and Family and Consumer Sciences Agent Hazel Jackson. What started as a blank piece of fabric quickly tra

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