I have found that the "Easy" patterns are not as easy at all. When I started garment sewing 5 years ago (I've only been quilting for 2 now), the "easy" patterns were the ones to trip me up. If I went with a normal pattern rated for beginners, I was fine. I think it may have something to do with the instructions and the pictures not quite going together at the same pace. Either way, I learned more by trial and error than any of the instructions.
Kudos to you bakermom for going out there with the 4H groups. There's not a lot in our area and what I've found is something I could teach my girls. But, for the mothers who work or don't know how to sew, I'm glad there's still programs out there to teach and raise up a new generation of sewers!