Asked to teach beginning sewing class for sewists that have a little bit of experience but wanted to refresh their skills, relearn and learn more about sewing this past 6-months, a couple of series of sewing classes were held that were beyond the basics. Sewing is a single focus task, which reduces the likelihood of negative thoughts and can help fight anxiety and depression. This assist with mental health was brought into focus from participant Jane (not real name) when she came to sewing class after a year where she lost her only daughter to Covid, was sick herself with Covid, moved her household to Garrard County after sharing her house for 25 years with her departed daughter, downsized by half in her new house, lost a good friend to Covid, and then has had to re-connect with sons that harbor old feelings of past resentment and do not reliably visit after making promises. Jane wanted to refresh her sewing skills, but also used the sewing class as an opportunity to connect at the Extension Office with all the different programs offered and possibly make new friends with similar likes. She has not been disappointed as she joined the monthly fiber group, connected with new neighbors that also belong to the fiber group and has enjoyed forging new relationships with other single women of a certain age that want to stay active and engaged in community. 

Jane has gone from feeling very isolated and abandoned to more fully enjoying participating in activities, classes and camaraderie with others.  

 A picture of a participant showing off her new shirt she just made in sewing class. fit her wonderfully!