In today’s technologically advanced society, basic life skills such as sewing has 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.  Additionally, sewing encourages creative ability (The Creative Art of Sewing; www.NorthJersey.com; September 13, 2012).”  The Owsley County Cooperative Extension Service during, through the dedication of an Extension Master Clothing Volunteer has presented hands-on sewing programs in the past 7 years to over 200 adults and youth with 565 volunteer hours donated.  During COVID with the help of our Master Clothing Volunteer, the Owsley County Extension Service provided 4-H Sewing To Go bags to 4-H participants.  

Participants have learned basic sewing skills to construct pillows, travel bags, pillows, table runners, pajama pants, made their own outfit and activity mats for Alzheimer’s patients.  In a post evaluation, 100% of participants learned a new skill such as putting in a zipper, elastic, how to follow instructions or read a pattern, 90% have used the sewing skills learned at home and 100% will continue to participate in sewing to sharpen their skills.