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 during, through the dedication of an Extension Master Clothing Volunteer has presented hands-on sewing programs in the past 7 years to over 200 adults and youth with 565 volunteer hours donated.  During COVID with the help of our Master Clothing Volunteer, the Owsley County Extension Service provided 4-H Sewing To Go bags to 4-H participants on a monthly basis to keep their sewing skills sharpened.  

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, 90% have used the sewing skills learned at home and 100% will continue to participate in sewing to sharpen their skills.