4-H clinic was ‘sew’ much fun
- Laurie Sidle, OSU Extension Wayne Co.
- May 11, 2024
- 414
Daphne Dodaro is eager to sew.
She was among the first to arrive at the Wayne County 4-H Pattern and Fabric Selection Clinic and register for 4-H Beginner Sewing Camp later in June.
A first-year member of Milton Shamrocks 4-H Club, Dodaro was among eight 4-Hers who attended the clinic held recently at Hobby Lobby in Wooster to get expert advice about her sewing project from Ohio State University Extension master clothing educators and sewing volunteers.
Daphne’s mother Leslie described her daughter as crafty by nature, and after taking part in her club’s Cloverbud program for three years, she is now old enough to join 4-H and take the introductory Sew Fun project.
Leslie Dodaro said she watched her daughter become comfortable with the volunteers as they listened to her describe the skirt she wants to make and provided tips and guidance.
“Hearing their sewing vocabulary made her less apprehensive,” she said.
Sew Fun project members choose to make a skirt, shorts or lounging pants.
Master Clothing Educator Linda Prochazka said it’s a rewarding experience to help 4-Hers at the clinic. “I love seeing their eyes light up as they realize they are going to be making something they can wear.”
One girl, she said, picked out material in honor of her grandfather.
Master Clothing Educator Sharon Emler sees the clinic as an important opportunity to guide 4-Hers in choosing the pattern and fabric that will work best for their project.
Sew Fun project members also may enroll in our Beginner 4-H Sewing Camp June 4-6 at Fisher Auditorium at the OSU Wooster campus. At the camp 4-Hers are paired with experienced sewers who help them complete their garments. Campers also make a pin cushion the first day.
The camp is led by Marcia Brueck, longtime 4-H volunteer and Wayne County Junior Fair secretary. Before campers sew the first stitch, Brueck instructs the group on sewing terminology, supplies and parts of the sewing machine. The campers get the feel of the sewing machine by sewing without thread on paper and following different lined shapes.
On day two she talks about fabric and pattern markings. “Then I turn them loose with their helpers,” she said. “They go to work laying out their material with their patterns. They cut out their patterns and work on getting their garments constructed.”
As the camp winds to a close on the third day, campers model their outfits in a mini style revue.
Sessions are filling up. Spots are still available for the afternoon session from 1-4:30 p.m. The cost is $20 per camper. To register, visit https://go.osu.edu/2024wcsewingcamp.
Our volunteers are a valuable part of our 4-H program as they provide expertise to our members who want to learn new skills. By assisting at our clinics and camp, the master clothing educators fulfill a service requirement needed to maintain their certifications; however, they do it more for the love of helping the youth.
Prochazka, who has been a master clothing educator for 40 years, said the beginning of each 4-H year draws her back for the sewing events.
“After all these years, I’m still in it,” she said, adding the friendships she’s made with other adult volunteers are just as meaningful as those with the kids.
Laurie Sidle is an Ohio State University Extension family and consumer sciences and 4-H program assistant and may be reached at 330-264-8722 or sidle.31@osu.edu.