Shelby County 4-H has a long tradition of offering sewing programs for 4-Hers.  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).

Shelby County 4-H offered sewing workshops for fourth and fifth graders in 2022 after a two year break due to the pandemic.  The 4-H Agent organized and advertised the workshops.  The FCS and 4-H Agents recruited sewing volunteers, including several Master Clothing Volunteers (MCVs) to work with the 4-Hers.  Twenty-five youth completed sewing projects during the workshops.  All the participants gained new skills and had a sense of accomplishment as the were able to model the new garment they had completed.

A significant outcome was achieved when three teen volunteers helped teach the sewing workshop.  All the teens learned to sew through sewing workshops when they were younger.  They learned a new skill, continued to improve their skills through 4-H Sewing Projects and were now teaching beginning sewing to others.  Two of the MCVs commented on how rewarding it was to watch the teens work as they recalled teaching them to sew only a few years ago.