As we progress in to the 21st century a number of factors have gained prevalence within Family and Consumer Science driven by the increase of online and mobile shopping, the rise of video based at home tutorials, and the shifting family structures as evident by 17% of stay-at-home parents being fathers. The ever-changing landscape of the family and the consumer highlights the need for a responsive and innovative FCS program while also providing the basic needs that all families have as they navigate lives many challenges. Kentucky 4-H Seeks to meet these needs through working with youth and families in a variety of situations to increase their consumer awareness, financial management, nutrition, culinary arts, textiles, housing, and human development. 

In our life of technology, we lose track of how things are made and where things come from. A skill that is often looked over is sewing. Sewing provides the opportunity for young people to experience a sense of accomplishment associated with completing a project. It also provides an opportunity for youth to understand textiles, construction techniques, design principles as well as develop eye/hand coordination. “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 2021-2022 school year marked the 14th year Martin County 4-H has teamed up with the Home Economics Department at Martin County School to form sewing clubs. The clubs are leader led by the Home Economics teacher. Connie Harless our Home Economics teacher is now a certified master clothing volunteer.  That designation brings more credence to our program.  

4-H provides all the teaching materials and supplies, while Mrs. Harless provides all the education. Students learn to use a sewing machine and do needle work by hand. Without this partnership, the high school would not have the funds or opportunities to have these educational experiences. Once again with our high school sewing clubs, we had over 100 participants.  

A major component is turning our work into community service projects.  Every year we make pillows for our local nursing home.  Civically engaged youth feel a sense of purpose for their hard work.  These youth are more likely to register to vote, write to a public official, investigate compelling political issues and participate in lawful demonstrations. 

Evaluation is done through grading the work of the students. Some students have skills that advance through the year, others are encouraged to work harder to refine their skill level.  This year for the first time in several years we are going to have a competition at the end of the year to send some projects to the state fair.

Students recognize the economic impacts sewing can create. Not only through industry but saving money for their families. After 14 years, behaviors and attitudes have started to change about the textile industry. We have a gender diverse audience in our clubs.  Male students understand the importance of learning to sew and even more so the importance of being contributors to family life. These factors have created a long-term outcome.