Sewing is a learned life skill that can provide self-worth, sustainability within the home with textiles and more, enjoyment with hobbies and it can also reduce stress. Kelly Smith, Jefferson County 4-H Agent served as the Cooperative Extension Service’s Jefferson County Master Clothing Volunteer (MCV) contact agent. The 4-H Agent provided program updates, helped to promote sewing programs taught by the Louisville MCVs, helped to ensure funds to pay for statewide trainings, provided feedback and support from interested individuals in the programs. 

 The Master Clothing Volunteers made huge success within the community this year.  The Ascension School Sewing Stars, under the direction of their leader Allysan Comstock, Master Clothing Volunteer (MCV), took on another community service project supervised by the clubs senior 4-H members.  The club helped to make stuffed animals to go with a story book that a Kindergarten class created.  After the stories and animals were completed, the class donated to the Norton Children’s Hospital.  This club continues to make community service a priority and also has been recognized within their area and local paper.  Sandy Davis, (MCV) led her open sewing group to completing several hundred pillows for a hospital and many other items donated to a church in downtown Louisville.    Kathleen Demuth, (MCV) also planned a trip for Senior 4-H’ers to visit stores and museums involving history and detailed information within the textile field.  This was a great learning experience for all that attended.  Claudia Smith, (MCV) leads open sewing classes to all that want to attend and either begin sewing or brush up on skills.  Sheila Throneberry, (MCV) started a sewing club at a local school, Meredith Dunn.  The group that she worked with, may have learning disabilities and involve different ways to educate within the classroom.  She created a program so that these children could learn the basics of sewing.  They loved it so much, she will continue with the club in the fall.  All of the Jefferson County MCV’s have success stories and continue to thrive and learn from each other.  Many help each other out on their classes.  

The Jefferson County MCV program has grown and continues to offer many hours of education within the community.  The impact of their programming reaches many.