In today’s technologically advanced society, basic life skills such as sewing has become a lost art.  “Sewing is a discipline that helps develop self-esteem, confidence, focus, patience, fine motor skills, problem solving, process thinking and visualization.  Additionally, sewing encourages creative ability (The Creative Art of Sewing; www.NorthJersey.com; September 13, 2012).”  The Owsley County Cooperative Extension Service, through the dedication of an Extension Master Clothing Volunteer has presented hands-on sewing programs in the past 6 years to reach 529 adults and youth with 698.5 volunteer hours donated.  

Participants have learned basic sewing skills to construct pillows, travel bags, pillows, table runners, pajama pants, made their own outfit and activity mats for Alzheimer’s patients.  In a post evaluation, 100% of participants learned a new skill such as putting in a zipper, elastic, how to follow instructions or read a pattern, 85% have used the sewing skills learned at home and 100% will continue to participate in sewing to sharpen their skills.