In our technologically advanced society, basic life skills such as sewing has become somewhat of a lost art.  Sewing helps you develop fine motor skills, improves your focus and concentration and teaches the importance of patience and self-control.  Knowing personal boundaries, increasing skill, achieving tangible goals while working outside your comfort zone all support the development of confidence and self-esteem. 

The Greenup County Family & Consumer Sciences program, through the dedication of an Extension Master Clothing Volunteer has presented a hands-on sewing program focused on body measuring to find your pattern size, cutting & assembling a PDF garment pattern, and garment construction.  Participants were lead by Greenup County Master Clothing Volunteer, Rhonda Barker, through this hands-on garment construction pants to create a pair of pajama pants.  

 In a post evaluation, 100% of participants learned a new skill such as putting in elastic waistband, how to follow instructions or read a pattern, 85% have used the sewing skills learned at home and 100% will continue to participate in sewing workshops to sharpen their skills.  One participant surveyed said she had constructed a pair of pajama pants or all eight of her grandchildren, as a result of skills gained during this workshop.