~~The primary goal of the Kentucky 4-H Sewing program is to teach youth about the art and skills of creating useful items using needle and thread.  This includes not only the use of a hand needle and thread, but the sewing machine and serger.  Sewing can be used to create clothing and wardrobe essentials, as well as, useful items for daily living.Equally important to teaching youth skills they can use throughout their lives is the goal of encouraging critical thinking and creativity.  Clinical studies have found that students who learned to sew a simple project showed elevated creativity after the activity. One study concluded that “children who sew today may have a real edge in the high-tech service economy of tomorrow where creative, flexible worker will be in high demand.” (Home Sewing Association, Guidelines Sew Creative!, 1997) In addition, these individuals who learn to sew may also be developing skills for a fulfilling, stress-relieving hobby.  Since the last sewing class was offered, a growing interested has been noted.  I taught myself to sew because of the last class and decided it was time to start again.  With the help of two Master Clothing Volunteers I was able to offer another beginning sewing class in which 11 youth attended, 9 girls and two boys.  Each youth were able to pick out a provided fabric and complete a project, but not before learning the parts of the machine and practicing a few simple stitches.  Skills learned in the class included learning the parts of the machine and learning to work the machine including threading it.  The project was a very simple gift bag.  The fabric was precut for time sake; we didn’t want to scare the kids off their first time.  The goal was to complete a project to help them gain confidence. I know this was a success because two of the girls are now wanting their own machines and are interested in another class.  I also have interest in some wanting to have a beginning quilting class. We look to offer this program again in the future and the volunteer is planning on having a sewing meeting and class one time a month for an afterschool program.