4-H organizers say more leaders needed for sewing clubs
The crowd that turned out for the 4-H Fashion Show at the Fayette County Fair on Sunday afternoon gave a big hand to Sierra Emert and Olivia Brown, the only two participants in the event. “You did an awesome job, girls. Take another walk around the stage and congratulations on your projects,’ said Cathy Brady, who handles 4-H programs for Fayette County through the Penn State Cooperative Extension.
But the small showing allowed Brady to talk about the need for 4-H leaders for sewing clubs. This year, Fayette County 4-H has only one sewing club – Chestnut Ridge Stitchers, led by Amy Knopsnider – while the Sunshine Bunch, led by Judy McClure, and Earth Angels, led by Wendy Pennington, include sewing projects in their community clubs.
The 4-H members who belong to these clubs will bring their projects to the fair today for display. Their work will be judged Tuesday along with other projects in the Youth Building. During Sunday’s fashion show in the Youth Building, participants were not judged but simply were given the opportunity to show off what they have created through their own hard work. Participation in the show is voluntary.
Emert, 10, of Bullskin Township, modeled two pieces she made: a blue-and-green pinstripe seersucker tunic and green Lycra cotton shorts. Emert is the daughter of Stephanie and Raymond Brown and a fifth-grade student at Clifford M. Pritts Elementary School.
Brown, 9, of White, also modeled two pieces: a Lycra cotton blue-denim skirt with a flounce and a red, white and blue star-patterned poncho. She wore the pieces with a white blouse. Brown is the daughter of Greg and Teresa Brown and also is a fifth-grade student at Pritts Elementary.
“It’s fun learning to sew,’ said Emert.
“I like it,’ Brown said of 4-H. “It teaches you to sew. If you rip your clothes, you can mend them.’
This is the girls’ first year in sewing and Knopsnider’s first year as a 4-H leader.
“It’s fun to watch the girls learning things,’ said Knopsnider. “We thought we’d start (the club) again next spring, but they don’t want to quit, so we’re going to continue. We were meeting once a week. We’re going to slow down to every other week.’
Brady also noted 4-H is looking for a leader to handle the Sew Special club, which operated out of the Sew Special business in Uniontown but was not active this year. The owner was unable to sponsor the club but will allow the club to continue at her business, offering use of her sewing machines.
Brady would like to see other sewing clubs start up. But, again, there’s a need for leaders.
Besides the local projects, 4-Hers can participate in regional and state shows. Fayette County recently hosted the Southwest Fashion Revue at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Spa in Farmington.
In sewing clubs, 4-H youths also can work on projects such as rearranging their closets, wardrobe planning, clothes shopping, accessories, as well as sewing for others, such as a younger brother or sister.
Brady’s daughter, Casey, who was involved in 4-H sewing for many years, talked about her experiences, as she introduced the girls while they were modeling.
“If you stick with it, you can make your prom gowns,” she said. “I’ve done that. You can open a tailoring business. You can go into fashion designing.’
For more information on becoming a 4-H leader, stop by the Youth Building during the Fayette County Fair.