craigdailypress.com

Sewing is an activity that many enjoy because it gives people a chance to create something with their own hands.

For 4-H, the sewing club is an opportunity for youths to learn a skill that will serve them their entire lives.

Beginners Sewing is one of several sewing and knitting groups that 4-H offers, and it's a group that gives its members a strong background in sewing.

"Sewing goes way back in 4-H," said Pat Pearce, one of the 4-H Beginning Sewing group leaders.

Members are currently getting their projects ready for the Moffat County Fair, which is Aug. 4 to 12.

Pearce said the main goal of the group is to educate group members.

"Most of these girls have never sewn before," Pearce said. "We're teaching them the basics of sewing."

This is the first year Pearce has been a group leader, and she said she's learning just as much about teaching as the kids are about sewing.

"Sometimes it's hard for me to remember they are just beginning," she said.

Katelyn Peroulis is a member of Pearce's sewing group, and her 4-H knitting club as well.

Peroulis, 9, said she isn't very interested in the livestock side of 4-H, but does think 4-H is a great program.

"It's got such a wide selection of groups," she said. "You can learn a lot of things and it's really fun to do."

Peroulis said she wants to participate in the cake-decorating group for next year's fair.

For this year's fair, Peroulis said she is making a scarf for her knitting group and a dress for her sewing group.

Pearce said that at the fair, kids in the sewing group are judged on several aspects of their projects.

"They are judged on their construction and how the garment fits them," she said.

Pearce added that it is important that the style and color are appropriate.

Peroulis said sometimes it gets frustrating working on projects like knitting and sewing, but she has a simple technique for staying focused.

"When I get stressed out and I have to relax," Peroulis said, "I just sit back and breathe."

Pearce said sewing can be a very relaxing activity, and that it is a skill everyone should have.

"I think it is very important that girls and boys learn basic life skills," she said. "Everyone needs to learn how to cook an egg and sew on a button."

Dominic Graziano can be reached at 824-7031, ext. 209, or dgraziano@craigdailypress.com.