Quicksand Area Master Clothing Volunteers

The Quicksand Area located in southeastern Kentucky proudly boasts seven Master Clothing Volunteers. These volunteers are supervised by the Area Contact agent and are under the direct supervision of the Family and Consumer Sciences Agents in their counties. These 7 volunteers have spent 165 hours in training to enhance their sewing skills during the past year so they will be able to teach skills and techniques in their counties and in the area. 

Each spring the Master Clothing Volunteers plan and present two Come Sew with Us events which are offered in two locations in the area. Each MCV plans and teaches a basic sewing class with participants taking home a finished project. These events are well attended with each facility hosting a maximum number of participants.

With many Family and Consumer Sciences Agents having no background in sewing, these volunteers offer invaluable programming to clients who might not have the opportunity for sewing programs if their Extension Agent had to teach them. Seven of the seven volunteers reported volunteering over 1000 hours to Extension as they taught 123 classes and worked with over 1000 contacts.

Many participants report that they have made the projects as gifts, for themselves, and for sale. This helps those families save money and also helps generate additional income tor the family. Two of the volunteers teach simple alterations at a used clothing store so participants can buy the clothing and then alter it to fit their families.

The Master Clothing Program is a very important part of the Cooperative Extension programming. Every two years, new volunteers are recruited and the Quicksand Area has three applicants for the two slots available.