With the abundance of easily acquired, ready-made clothing, some may assume there is little need for sewing and clothing construction skills. Although it’s often less expensive to buy clothing than it is to make it, there is still a sense of pride and accomplishment that comes from sewing your own clothing. Sewing also encourages creativity, attention to detail, hand-eye coordination, problem solving and math skills, resilience, and patience.

Our Extension Programs include sewing and needlework classes that are frequently taught by our Master Volunteers in Clothing Construction. These volunteers tirelessly give of their time, talents, and resources to share their skills and knowledge of sewing with others. Their selfless efforts ensure that the art and science of sewing will continue into the next generation.

Statewide, 99 Master Volunteers in Clothing Construction recently reported volunteering a total of 8221 hours towards TEACHING OTHERS and 4154 hours towards LEADERSHIP and SERVICE PROJECTS. According to https://independentsector.org/ data, Kentucky volunteer time is currently worth $28.53 per hour. Their volunteer time equates to a value of $332,268. Additionally, these volunteers had over 27,000 contacts during this time and spent 5681 hours furthering their own education and professional development related to sewing.