Close Resources

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Impacts

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu




Fiscal Year:
Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025


Success StorySewing Project Camp



Sewing Project Camp

Author: Mary Harless

Planning Unit: Johnson County CES

Major Program: Family and Consumer Science

Plan of Work: Youth Life Skills

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Youth in our area often lack access to traditional skills such as sewing. If they do have access, it is usually limited, and supplies are not readily available. As a result, we have observed a decline in sewing projects in our county in recent years. To address these challenges, I collaborated with our FCS agent and a master clothing volunteer to organize a four-day sewing camp for local youth.

The sewing series was open to ages 9-18 and focused on essential skills such as operating sewing machines safely, reading patterns, fabric cutting and hand-sewing techniques. Each day, participants completed different projects ranging from throw pillows to pin cushions, table runners, and canvas tote bags. We provided all materials and equipment.

Thirteen youth participated in the camp, and three of their projects were selected to represent Johnson County at the 2024 Kentucky State Fair, where each received a red ribbon. Post-session surveys revealed that 80% of participants strongly agreed they felt more confident in their sewing abilities and could identify basic sewing machine parts independently. Additionally, 60% strongly agreed they felt comfortable using patterns to cut fabric and could thread a sewing machine on their own. Forty percent felt confident they could recreate at least one project from the camp. All participants also stated they were very likely to participate in more of our programming.

Feedback was very positive, with participants particularly enjoying the pillow and tote bag projects. Follow-ups indicated increased enthusiasm among participants for completing sewing projects for next year's fair.






Stories by Mary Harless


Sewing Project Camp

about 4 months ago by Mary Harless

Youth in our area often lack access to traditional skills such as sewing. If they do have access, it... Read More


Cloverbud Cooking

about 4 months ago by Mary Harless

Youth in our community often face barriers to accessing healthy food due to economic challenges. Eve... Read More


Stories by Johnson County CES


How To Get Out of a Mealtime Rut - Putting Your Crockpot To Work

yesterday by Macey Stewart

Describe the Issue or Situation.According to the Community Needs Assessment dashboard, two pressing ... Read More


Understanding Suicide - KEHA Leader Lesson

yesterday by Macey Stewart

Suicide is a public concern and one of the most preventable causes of death. Every eleven minutes so... Read More


Stories by Family and Consumer Science


Dollars and Sense at Greysbranch

Dollars and Sense at Greysbranch

about 9 days ago by Presley Grubb

In a recent survey by the Junior Achievement USA in collaboration with Citizens Bank, more than half... Read More


Youth Cooking Camp

Youth Cooking Camp

about 9 days ago by Heather Coleman

According to the American Heart Association teaching youth how to prepare their own food will give t... Read More