Over the past three years, the 4-H sewing program has blossomed from a small local initiative to a thriving community program. Engaging over 60+ male and female youth participants annually.

The Boone County 4-H Sew Unique Design Club began June 2021 after Covid, with two adult leaders and less than a dozen youth. Eight of those original youth members are still involved in the

 program. Initially attracting just a handful of students, the program has expanded through workshops highlighting sewing skills, fashion design, and sustainability, which drew in both beginners and

 advanced sewers. Each year approximately a dozen new youth have joined the program and many of the youth start and stay with the program. 

     Beginner projects are offered for first year students, and the experienced youth can choose projects focusing on a garment, or non-garment items. Our first year we made aprons, the kids looked at

 them like what am I going to do with this? We learned quickly that not every project is going to appeal to each child. We strive to improve each year, giving them choices on how to make design

 changes, and to create something they like. One volunteer said “Sewing is like cooking. There are things like shopping for ingredients and cleaning pots that are not much fun, but enjoying what you

 eat makes it all worthwhile. The act of sewing itself can come with frustrations but every time the kids see their project come together, they get excited. They must like what they have made to want to

 come back”. 

     Often the advanced students help assist the beginner students, alongside adult volunteers during classes. Parents of 9–11-year-olds are encouraged to stay with their child, this helps us focus on

 teaching rather than babysitting. It also builds relationships that lead to future volunteers. Having an expert sewing volunteer is not necessary. By taking volunteers without much experience, those who

 have the desire to help and learn to sew have been the key to our success. In 2024 we had nine consistent and talented volunteer leaders, most of whom are parents of the students and had little or

 no sewing experience when they began volunteering.

     The program’s success is attributed to these volunteers, and partnerships with various organizations such as Boone County Homemakers and NECCO Foster Care. As well as the community, who

 help provide generous amounts of fabric donations and materials that are used for most of the projects. Parents only buy fabric for one summer fair project and for those with financial difficulty we

 make accommodations. Boone County provides the machines therefore parents do not have to provide a machine for their child to learn. This upcoming program year we have acquired a grant from

 the R. C. Durr Foundation to add five new additional sewing machines for this thriving program.

     In 2024 the 4-H Sew Unique Club began an ongoing community service project using donated materials from the community. They created pillowcases for local foster children. We were informed

 that when a foster child is removed from their homes, they are given a trash bag to fill with their necessities upon leaving their home. We quickly went into action and instead, they now will have their

 own beautiful pillowcase that we added a custom labels showing they were created by a peer youth from our 4-H Sew Unique Club. Children helping children, what a beautiful thing to witness. 

     Each year the youth showcase their creations at the local and state fair, fostering a sense of accomplishment and teamwork. In 2024 we had over 70 entries into 4-H Cloverville at the Boone County

 Fair. Over three times the amount of 23 entries in 2023.

      Recently I asked our lead sewing volunteer about her thoughts about the sewing program. She replied in 2021 I said, “I am not sure how this will go and if kids want to learn to sew but the kids have

answered that with their numbers”. “Last year we had under 30 kids per month. This year we are up to 45 each month.”  We have had many new inquiries this year. Some claim they saw the various

sewing projects at the fair. We now offer 3 two-hour classes on Saturday and 3 two-hour classes on Monday for both beginners and advanced youth. Most time slots fill up in less than 12 hours. 

This year we welcomed four younger siblings from some of our current students. We receive many referrals as well. A monthly newsletter is offered which provides a good word of mouth, therefore

 requiring very little marketing for this program.  

     As a testament to its growth, the program now offers multilevel of classes and has inspired a new generation of young sewers eager to explore their creativity and craftsmanship.

We started out in 2021 with one class per month for 8 months a year and now offer 6 regular classes and soon 1 quilting class per month. 

     It has been an absolute joy observing these children grow as sewers. Creating friendships together with their parents along the way. It not just a class, it has become a true sewing community.

                                                                                                                    Ongoing Community Service Project for Foster Children