Colville Reservation Youth “Up-Cycle” Clothes and Develop Sewing Skills
By Betsy Fradd, WSU Extension 4-H
Torn jeans, baggy shirts and frayed edges may be stylish for some kids but, for others, it means those worn out clothes need to be fixed or replaced. At a recent “Up-Cycle Your Wardrobe” workshop youth from the Colville Reservation learned techniques to repair broken zippers, patch holes and replace missing buttons to get more wear out of their wardrobe.
“Extending the life of clothing is very important, especially in these difficult economic times,” said Linda McLean, Colville Reservation Extension Educator. “With high unemployment and a high rate of low-income households on the Colville Reservation, it can be difficult to purchase necessary clothing for a growing family.”
McLean and other adults showed 11 youth how altering a piece of clothing can create something new out of a well-worn garment at the workshop held in Keller July 31 through August 2. The students, ages 5 to 16, also learned how to care for their fashions by understanding clothing labels and how to perform simple laundering tasks.
In order to practice their sewing skills youth completed up to eight different items including a bookmark, coin purse or wallet, key chain fob, tissue holder, necklace, headband or belt, visor and friendship bracelet. 4-H members plan to enter their completed work in the Ferry County Fair in late August.
http://county.wsu.edu/ferry/youth/
Posted August 2012
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