In life, stress is something that everyone will face. There needs to be outlets for youth to be able to release that stress such as a hobby or a life skill. This is something that sewing can provide for the youth. In Christian County, there is a wonderful partnership between 4-H Agent, a Master Clothing Volunteer, and an experienced sewer that have created a continuous sewing project group to be that outlet for the youth. 

The 4-H Agent, Master Clothing Volunteer and experienced sewer work together to advertise the program at multiple events, on Facebook, radio, and through other programming. This has allowed new members to join, from beginner to intermediate youth, to come together to learn from the volunteers and grow in their knowledge. The youth range in age from nine to sixteen active participants, but it is open for ages nine to eighteen. The goal of the program is to teach the youth the parts of a sewing machine, how to use it, fix it if there is a simple problem and then beginning making beautiful creations. This year so far they have created a patchwork quilt square with plans to make aprons and backpacks. Sewing is a hobby that youth can do in their spare time or when they are anxious to help calm them down. Sewing gives them a job of making something from beginning to end and have a sense of pride after when they have their final piece. The smiles on their faces when they are finished really tells it.  

The 4-H Sewing Project begins in September and ends in June, just in time for the youth to finish all of their projects to enter into the Western Kentucky State Fair with hopes of their project moving onto the Kentucky State Fair. The youth are always so excited when they finish a piece and it is great for them to learn a skill that they can continue to use and hopefully teach others. After a couple of meetings, 100% of the youth felt more confident working with a sewing machine, 50% successfully completed their quilt square, and 100% felt that the volunteers were encouranging. We look forward to seeing their future projects.