“Learning by doing" has been the fundamental principle of 4-H since its inception. Projects are a major curriculum emphasis. Since 1912, projects have diversified from the basic corn, pigs, tomatoes, flowers, sewing, and canning topics to more than 100 project areas (Extension Committee on Organization and Policy,.1985).  A project is one method for teaching members many new skills. Members set goals; make decisions; learn; evaluate; and complete specific projects.

Project completion is important because youth need to have the experiences of committing themselves to a challenging task and the reinforcement of successfully completing the task. It seems to be easier for people to start things than to complete them.   Sewing projects are great and motivating tools to learn completion.  Therefore, the Boyd County 4-H agent, Ponderosa Family Resource Youth Service Center Director, and 4-H Master Clothing Volunteer planned the Ponderosa afterschool sewing club after several requests from community members.  Locally owned quilt shop collaborated as well.

The club met at school every Wednesday from 3:30 pm until 5:00 pm for nine consecutive weeks.   There were 8 adult volunteers and 10 club members.  Members completed six sewing projects beginning with a cherry pit bag, concluding with pajama pants, and coordinating shirt.  The final meeting was a fashion show.  All ten members’ had family members attended with a pizza party to close the semester.  

When the projects are completed, it is important that parents and leaders help the youth assess how well he or she has done and to feel good about what was accomplished. This does not mean that every child will win first prize or should expect to. It does mean that, with appropriate support, every child has the potential to be successful in advancing his or her skills and producing a product of which they can be proud.

Each 4-H member was introduced while wearing his/her pajama pants and shirt while the club leader told his/her strengths and accomplishments during the nine weeks of sewing. Seven of the ten members expressed interest in an advanced sewing club.   All ten members completed every project.   Three members asked for a sewing machine for Christmas and received a sewing machine.  Boyd County 4-H has requests from two other schools for a sewing club and Ponderosa requests an advanced sewing club and another beginners’ club.