4-H Fashion Revue

By Mary Alice Garrett

This story originally appeared May 9, 2012 in The News Journal of Wilmington, Delaware.

Poise is just one of the qualities 4-H’ers learn in an organization that stresses life skills for children ages 5 to 19.

And that can come through giving speeches, learning to show livestock – or modeling clothing you’ve made yourself.

New Castle County 4-H clubs recently held a Fashion Revue and Photography Competition at the County’s Extension Office in Newark.

Fourteen-year-old Alex Swan opened the show in her blue satin party dress. Alex, a member of the Porter Gang Club, has been sewing for three years.

“It really only took three days [to make],” she said of her outfit.

Next was Glynnis Leach, 9, who wore a short print apron over a full-length white lace skirt. Glynnis, who likes to cook as well as sew, belongs to the Delaware Diamonds Club.

Emma Locker, 12, of the Summit Bridge Club showed her textured silver skirt with white lining. She said making the lining was the most difficult part of the sewing project.

It took a month for moderator Ashley Gouge,, 15, of the Porter Gang Club, to complete her striking three-piece wool ensemble – camel slacks, plaid vest and teal blue jacket.

Hayley Kirk, 11, of Summit Bridge, chose to make pajama bottoms out of a cotton print of pigs.

“I really like pigs,” said Hayley.

“I sew a lot of fancy shirts,” said Camille Jacob, 13, of the Flock of Friends Club, who modeled a ready-made shorts outfit.

On a different night, Flock of Friends members sewed appliquéd placemats. For many, it was their first time using a sewing machine but for four boys, it was their first time sewing.

“It’s really interesting, but it’s really hard,” said Michael Peffley, 10.

Samuel Kelsch, 12, who raises chickens, goats, ducks and a donkey at his rural home, chose a blue print fabric for his reversible placemats.

Hunter Mullen, 11, liked making appliqués to finish off his placemats. He also raises goats.

“Sewing is easier than I thought it would be,” said Justin Taylor, 12. Justin made placemats of a blue fish design and topped them off with green fish appliqués. He also trains with the U.S. Luge Team and has won medals at competitions at Lake Placid and Utah.

Hannah Feldmann, 14, has a sewing machine of her own and has made jeans, a purse and a quilt. She, too, has raised chickens, and hopes to raise a pig soon.

Hannah’s 10 year-old sister, Ashley, just began sewing. She’s also taken part in 4-H ceramics, gardening and baking activities.

Katy Daly-Jones, 4-H extension educator, said members typically participate and excel in a wide variety of activities.

“4-H teaches members to develop life skills,” said Daly-Jones, a former member of the Fantastics 4-H Club and an Extension educator for eight years. “They learn problem-solving, patience, poise and writing skills. It’s like every competition is multi-faceted.”