Sewing is not dead!
 

Just thought I'd let you know.
I just finished the third 4-H sewing project in two months. Worked with 29 members ages 9 - 21 (including two boys) who made their first ever pj pants out of cotton or flannel. Sometimes it was a struggle for them - and they reluctantly bonded with their seam rippers - but they are so very proud of their pants!
I provided 6 of the nine machines we used and was in charge of keeping all the machines going. Surprised myself at how much I actually knew - and knew enough to look online for more info for the foreign-to-me White, Kenmore and Singer machines. I was also the experienced sewist :)
And I noticed that my little black Singers gave the kids no problems at all. They sewed on two 221's, two 222's, 99K, Singer 774, Pfaff 1222E, Janome 4800, another simpler Janome, White and a Kenmore I could never find the manual for. Everything got at least one good cleaning and oiling.

:thumbup:4H is great for getting young people exposed to a lot of things.

That's great! I know that most young'uns would love it if they had the chance to try!

That is awesome. Thanks to the internet, I am also giving sewing - other then quilts a try. Looking for good free videos to help. there are a lot of them but I have yet to find the perfect ones...want to find a good one on how to read, use patterns. Step by step. I just bought a bunch of patterns. Joann has them on sale for 1.99 today.

Thanks so much for passing on your knowledge!

Good for you! The middle school teacher has a sewing class for kids. They each make a book bag with a shoulder strap and a drawstring. My son still used his bag when he went to college! He was very proud of it. I am so glad to see you taught both boys and girls. Boys can sew too.

That is great...I think there is a comeback for kids and sewing. I just finished a week of Sewing Camp at our church - we do this now as our VBS...called Talent camp. Learn cooking, sewing, woodworking, Jewelry, art...and a bunch more. Our sewing camp was the first to fill up with 16 girls...mostly 9-12. It was my 2nd year doing it and the girls love it!

Keep teaching!!

Fantastic and thanks for being there for the kids. The sense of pride and satisfaction when they complete something is a sight to behold and treasure.

As a former 4-H leader I too taught kids to sew. Now it's a treat to work with my GD. Just this past week we had a sew together for pj pants. One finished as she went back home the other two are up the road so we will get theirs done next week. They are 8,9, and 10.

They local 4H is starting a quilting class this month. I have been debating calling the director to see if they help. I would assume they have instructors in place if the class is posted, but many hands make light work.

irishrose many hands do indeed make light work. We (the other leader & I) recruited 3 other ladies who sewed to help just to keep all the members on track - especially for getting the fabric and pattern together and cut out, then overseeing the sewing of seams and pressing. The more one on one that can be provided the better!

Our county fair is just winding down. The kids' sewing and quilting projects are inspirational. Great program.

You are so right...my daughter was one of the kids in the sewing sessions. She still chuckles today saying it was easier to learn from one of the other mom's as I worked with the other mom's girls:) Any extra hands are a big help. Irishrose, remember the coordinator is in charge, but a wise one will accept your help and knowledge with enthusiasm. Have a great time.

This is wonderful!

Look for "grant" opportunities. One of our long time 4H instructors won a nice grant for sewing machines a few years ago. She was able to purchase 8 entry level Berninas to teach her students to sew. One of the colleges that teaches home Ec (whatever they call it these days) offered the grant. Pretty sweet! Too bad the high schools don't value shop classes and Home Ec for teaching skills.

Sandy

That's where I first learned to sew over 45 years ago! (YIKES I'm getting old!)

I had 15 beginning sewers ages 7 to 13 last week (four mornings from 9-noon). The 7 year old and the 13 year old were boys. Luckily I recruited 7 other 4H volunteers to provide the constant oversight beginners need. The kids made a 4 patch pillow, a book bag tote, IPod case, drawstring petal pouch and a backpack. The kids were such a kick during the "fashion show". The little boy demonstrated in detail how his case opened and closed. The kids and their parents asked where else they can get sewing lessons. I have a regular 4H sewing group and if all the kids do join 4H, I'm going to need a bigger room!!

I'm always on the lookout for quick sewing projects, especially for boys. Would you mind sharing what you've done with your groups?

I recently helped my 12 year old grandson make a lap quilt for Project Lioness. Everyone in the group was so proud of him. Now he is working on his favorite football team quilt for himself. Sewing has really helped his eye - hand coordination.

Great Idea! There is an organization that offers grants but I never connected the need for sewing machines!

A great big "Thank You" for volunteering to teach the kids how to sew. I admire you for passing on your knowledge and giving the kids an opportunity to create and make something with their hands.