4-H?ers sew, learn and give at the same time

4-H values hands-on learning, caring for the environment and community service. Thirteen 4-H members put these together at the Ready, Set, Sew! workshop held Nov. 1.

The workshop offered basic lessons on sewing terms, safety, machine parts and stitches through hands-on learning. Participants completed a Find-and-Seek to recognize machine parts. After practicing stitching forward and backward, they made a potholder with three squares of material and six straight lines on the sewing machine for a Domestic Violence Intervention program. Youth reviewed the importance of community service and the variety of ways to serve others.

The highlight of the morning was their individual up-cycled projects that turned an old sweatshirt of their choice into a new bag. These bags demonstrated a fun way of reusing items no longer wanted. Each 4-H?er received a basic sewing item to help start his or her own kits at home. The workshop was led by 4-H volunteers Barbie Ford and Donna Palmer.

Sewing and clothing are both project areas 4-H?ers can explore through demonstrations, community service, the fashion revue event or making projects at home to showcase at the fair.

Washington County 4-H hopes to offer another sewing workshop this spring. Please contact them if you are interested in volunteering at 319-653-4811. Follow ?Washington County 4-H ? Iowa? on Facebook for more pictures and information.