Lincoln Elementary Magnet School students bustled over their shiny egg-white sewing machines Monday, Oct. 5. They pulled thread and inspected fabrics in shuffling, uniform-clad groups as part of the school’s newest club, Sew Cool.
The after-school program teaches third, fourth and fifth grade students the ins and outs of sewing every Monday.
“I can’t wait to make new things,” club member Jashiya Jones said.
The club held its first after-school meeting Oct. 5, however, the idea came to third-grade teacher, Sunnie Harski a year earlier.
Sewing is something that Harski has been doing from the time her high school teacher taught her the fundamentals of the craft. Harski still makes apparel and does alternations on various articles of clothing.
“(Sewing is) something I haven’t stopped doing,” Harski said. “It made a difference in my life so I wanted to do the same for them.”
In her third year of teaching, Harski sought to incorporate the skill in her student’s lives. She wanted to give them a talent that they could take outside of the classroom walls, and sewing is something that less and less people are learning to do.
When she launched her idea, there was one problem: the machines and materials needed for Sew Cool to be successful cost over $1,000.
Lacking the eight machines and various tools needed for the club, Harski set up an account on DonorsChoose.org, a nonprofit website that uses donations to fund academic-related projects.
After explaining her cause, Harski raised the $1,454 Sew Cool needed to operate. Once the program’s goal was met, applications that asked the students’ experience level and reason for joining were passed out.
The task for Sew Cool’s first meeting was to allow students to become familiar with their equipment. Students learned the basics, such as how to thread and operate the machines. But the students are excited for more advance lessons.
“I want to learn how to make clothes and stuff,” fifth-grader Iris Munoz said.
At the end of the 10-week program the students will have made a tote bag, pillow and zipper pouch.
The club had such a successful turnout, Harski plans to do a fall and spring program annually.
“Who knows what the (students) can become?” Harski said. “It’s just really awesome.”
TO DONATE:
Sew Cool is in need of more materials and fabrics. To donate visit DonorsChoose.org/project/sew-cool/1497721/
FUN FACTS
• Half of sewers own at least three sewing machines.
• There were about 64 million sewers in the United States in 2006.
• Most sewing projects are related to home decor or fashion.
• Thomas Saint had the first patent for a sewing machine in 1790.
• Needleartists are knitters, crocheters, needlepointers or cross-stitchers.
SOURCE: Hart Business Research, Sewing in America.