With sewing becoming more popular and a means to generate income, Family and Consumer Science agents coordinated its 14th annual “It’s Sew Fine” Sewing Expo, providing hands-on, experiential learning programs. Over the years, the program has grown to attract participants from across Kentucky and surrounding states.

While the sewing expo has been a consistent event that many attended annually, we have seen growth this past year.  Not only did the average number of participants raise, 34.5% of participants were first time attendees.  

The Sewing Expo attracts college educated women (65.3%; 22% had some college) aged from 25-65+, and a majority (61.6%) belong to one or more organizations who address issues related to clothing construction, textiles, or fiber arts. Sewing provides a sense of accomplishment as they make gifts for others and their home. 100% of participants reported that they sew for some sort of personal satisfaction, while 34.5% report that they sew to save money, and 21.2% say that they sew to earn money.   

Additional information from a program evaluation has shown us this past year 96% of participants increased their sewing skills and increased knowledge directly because of the expo. Out of the participants, 49% plan to teach others what they learned and 21% plan to use what they learned to make items to sell as a source of income.

The sewing expo provides a constructive environment that improves self-esteem, confidence and personal satisfaction for those who attend.