Kentucky 4-H focuses on eight essential elements of positive youth development and the 4-H sewing project works toward the essential element of mastery.   The primary goal of the Kentucky 4-H Sewing program is to teach youth about the art and skill of creating useful items using needle and thread.  This includes not only the use of a hand needle and thread, but also the sewing machine and serger.  Sewing can be used to create clothing and wardrobe essentials, as well as useful items for daily living.  Daviess County 4-H typically offers one to two sewing project classes each summer as well as providing after-school and community center sewing projects .  Projects have ranged from garments, items for the home, upcycle projects, and t-shirt quilts.   Continued participation and work on sewing projects leads to mastery of the skill.  

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a seventeen year old Daviess County 4-H’er who wanted to use her sewing skills to help others, added the essential element of generosity to her sewing project.  This 4-H’er started sewing in 4-H at age nine and has sent multiple sewing projects to the Kentucky State Fair where she has won two class champions.  For her civic engagement project, she choose to make twelve flannel baby blankets with mitered corners.  Each blanket required approximately three hours to complete.   The baby blankets were donated to Birthright of Owensboro, a not-for profit-center for women experiencing unplanned pregnancy.  

The 4-H’er said it was a perfect combination for her as she enjoys sewing and loved the idea of helping mothers and their babies.