Barron County 4-H, in collaboration with the Barron County Fair, set a goal to sew 300 placemats during their fair, sparking new excitement for the 4-H sewing project! Their project will continue during the fall and winter months, as youth, families, volunteers, and community members continue work to finish the placemats in time to be delivered with the Christmas Meals on Wheels meal delivery. Sparked by an idea to have an interactive sewing station at the fair, the purpose of this project was to create a unique experience for fairgoers to participate in and to give back to the community at the same time. The community came together to see this idea become a reality. Sewing machines, fabric, scissors, and other supplies were donated by individuals and businesses. For 28 hours during the July fair, six sewing machines were set up, along with an iron and volunteers to assist those who needed it. Fairgoers could stop by and sew for as long or as little as they wanted to help reach our goal. No experience was necessary and individuals of all ages and experience levels sewed together 230 placemat tops, just shy of our goal.

Excitement about sewing continued to grow and a sewing camp was held in August. Youth learned to sew by sewing cinch bags and then helped sew more placemats! We expect to reach our goal of 300 completed placemats in time for them to be delivered.

Sewing is a lifelong skill that is valuable to anyone. Combining a new skill with a community wide project has been a rewarding experience and has sparked a new passion for sewing in Barron County 4-H. We hope the placemats bring a smile to the individuals that receive them and that they appreciate the thoughtfulness, collaboration, and work that was put into them.