Local 4-H hosts sewing workshops

Until a button pops off a shirt or a worn pair of pants are ripped, not too much thought is usually given to acquiring a handy skill like sewing. Local Southern Maryland youth, however, appear to be way ahead of the curve and they are demonstrating creativity, too.

“Over the last two years, myself and other 4-H staff have heard murmurs from our families that they would love to learn how to sew,” Kirsten Cowan, 4-H extension educator, told Southern Maryland News.

Cowan, who is Calvert’s extension educator, said the program for 4-H members is well beyond the mending of buttons and rips, thanks to the aid of a group of savvy adult volunteers.

“This past year at the Calvert County Fair I had a member of the Calvert County Quilt Guild introduce herself to me,” Cowan recalled. “We got to chatting about the guild and the interest we had observed from our community.”

The 4-H and the guild have since formed a partnership that has the latter group’s members conducting workshops.

On May 18, the third workshop was held at the extension’s Prince Frederick office.

Although the youths aren’t making quilts — yet — the progress being made in learning the workings of sewing machines and creating items such as potholders, oven mitts and tote bags appears to be rewarding for both adults and 4-H members.

“I was a teacher so this is right up my alley,” Karla Sisson, local guild president said.

“It’s been wonderful to watch the intergenerational learning and community building for all involved,” Cowan said.

To learn more about 4-H programs in Calvert County, go to https://extension.umd.edu/locations/calvert-county/.