Close Resources

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Impacts

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu




Fiscal Year:
Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025


Success StoryYouth Learn to Sew on a Button



Youth Learn to Sew on a Button

Author: Lee Ann McCuiston

Planning Unit: Todd County CES

Major Program: Family and Consumer Science

Plan of Work: Enhance Life Skills and Build Consumer Awareness

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

Sewing on a button is a small five-minute fix if you know how to do it, but so many people in today's world haven't been taught the simple task. It just takes a needle, some thread and a little "Know-how" and  you can replace that button and get another year or two out of your favorite pants or shirt. Mend your clothes, and you’ll keep them out of the landfill and in your closet. Resist fast fashion and the culture of disposable everything, and you’ll save both your money and the planet.  Also, research suggests a connection between doing stuff with our hands and feeling happy. When we perform activities that our brains think of as life-sustaining—providing shelter, making food, repairing clothing—our bodies release neurochemicals called dopamine and serotonin, which make us feel good. As neuroscientist Kelly Lambert puts it, “Our brains have been hardwired for this type of meaningful action since our ancestors were dressed in pelts.” And if anyone needs a little mental reward, it’s our kids." 

The Todd County 4-H Agent taught more than 350 4-H'ers how to sew on a button through 4-H school clubs this spring through a "following directions' lesson.  The 4-H agent led discussion on the importance of following directions and the steps involved.  Then, with a hands on, interactive team activity, the agent and 4-H teen assistants led the youth through a 15 minute "How to Sew on a Button" demonstration. Each 4-H'er practiced stitching, tying knots, cutting and basting on a piece of felt to get the end of product of a button sewed onto the simple cloth.  Fifteen 4-H clubs participated in the button sewing activity in the county ranging from 4th graders up to 12th graders. 

Results of the sewing lesson were collected through an end of meeting questionnaire: 

98% said it was his/her first time to ever sew on a button. 

100% said he/she believed he/she could now sew on a button at home, if needed. 

A one month follow up with the elementary school teachers identified that 40% had gone home and sewn a button on a piece of clothing at home. This translates to a small savings for those families of those clothes that would have become unusable or disposed of due to damage, but were fixed and still usable.  A good life lesson for a generation used to throwing so much away.  








Stories by Lee Ann McCuiston


4-H Livestock Club Members Gained Valuable Skills and a Love for Agriculture

about 7 days ago by Lee Ann McCuiston

Describe the Issue or Situation.In 2024, the 4-H Livestock club grew from one member to ten under th... Read More


Todd County 4-H Shooting Sports Program Teaches Firearm Safety, Marksmanship and Responsibility

about 2 months ago by Lee Ann McCuiston

The 4-H Shooting Sports program, which includes projects in archery, shotgun, muzzle-loading firearm... Read More


Stories by Todd County CES


West Kentucky Commercial Horticulture Conference

West Kentucky Commercial Horticulture Conference

about 16 days ago by Traci Johnson

Todd County is ranked 2nd in Kentucky for the value of vegetables sold, exceeding 3.4 million dollar... Read More


Todd County Farmer Outreach

Todd County Farmer Outreach

about 3 months ago by Traci Johnson

Todd County is home to many types of agriculture enterprises. According to the 2022 Census of Agricu... Read More