It's Sew Fine: Sewing Expo 2021 was a virtual event. Much planning went into conducting a safe event for teachers, the committee, and the participants. For the 2022 It's Sew Fine: Sewing Expo a hybrid event was planned with in-person classes held at the Boyle County Extension Office. An on-line class choice was offered the first day and a combination online/in-person hybrid class was offered on the second day to expand opportunities for more participation beyond in-person classes. Virtual class opportunities allowed for multi-state participation as well as alleviated covid related or travel concerns for others.  The It's Sew Fine: Sewing Expo committee includes all FCS Extension Agents from the former Ft. Harrod Extension Area plus a Master Clothing Volunteer representative and the University of Kentucky Extension Associate Senior for Textiles.

Sewing is a single-focus task bringing many health benefits including steady heart rate, lower blood pressure, less perspiration over time, reduced stress, and an increase in dopamine. The creative process of sewing keeps the mind healthy and active so that your mind can stay sharper for longer. The creative thinking required during sewing encourages the growth of new brain cells.  Research by the American Home Sewing & Craft Association (AHSCA) indicates findings that show the act of sewing can reduce heart rate and lower blood pressure whether you are an experienced stitcher or a beginner.

13 classes were offered over the 2-day Expo with topics in quilting, garment construction, and home decor. Teachers for the event included Master Volunteers in Clothing Construction, current and retired extension agents and UK associates, and other experienced sewing teachers. Class participants Zooming in for the Sewing Expo had the chance to participate in and complete a qualtrics evaluation in real-time. In-person participants completed hard copy evaluations. There were door prizes in each class including the virtual classes, Sewing Expo tote bags were given out with appropriate giveaways, box lunches and snacks were available each day, and planned exercise breaks were conducted.

Gauging the knowledge level of our participants: more than 50% considered themselves beginner quilters; approximately 25% considered themselves beginners when asked to rate their sewing skills for any type of sewing.

Reported info from the initial evaluation:

38% of the participants planned to teach what they learned in class to others via their own sewing group or classes at the local extension office, church, or library.

Planning the length of sewing classes and the ability to finish projects within a set timeframe is always difficult; 88% of participants on Thursday and 97% from Friday classes felt confident they would complete their projects accurately after the Expo.

96% and 100% of participants on Thursday and Friday respectively reported learning something new in their classes. 

Other comments and suggestions indicated participants enjoyed the opportunity to get together with others for a sewing-related event. Registration, class selections, and length of the event were all mentioned as areas where the committee needs to evaluate and make changes.  Overall, the new event went smoothly, the facility was excellent and the potential for future events looks good.