Sullivan County 4-H Sewing Showcase

About:

4-H youth (ages 5-18) can enter ANY handmade item to be judged and showcased. There are FOUR categories a 4-H member may enter a handmade item(s) in – 1. garments, 2. quilts/quilted items, 3. knitting/crocheting, and 4. other sewn items. The items will all be judged on Evaluation Day, and members will have the opportunity to model them at the Sewing Showcase.

Additionally, youth (ages 8-18) can participate in the Fashion Selections event. Youth shop for an outfit from one of the judging categories and meet with a panel of judges to talk about their outfit selection and model it.

Ways to participate:

1. Enter item(s) to be evaluated: Categories
   • Garment: youth sew and create their own piece of clothing
   • Quilt/Quilted Item: blanket, jacket, potholder, wall hanging, pillow, bag, etc.
   • Knitting/Crocheting: scarf, hat, mittens, sweater, blanket, etc.
   • Other Sewn Item: pin cushion, shopping bag, bandana, pillowcase, backpack, cushion, etc.
2. Participate in Fashion Selections: Categories
   • Best Bargains for under $25
   • Sports/Leisure Activities (no team sport uniforms)
   • School
   • Special Occasions
   • Makeovers (garments that you have changed since purchasing)
   • Career Fashions (talk to someone in a career that interests you and then put together an outfit that would be appropriate for that career).
   • Interview Outfits (appropriate for 4-H, work or college interviews)
   • Fashion Selections participants will be emailed their interview times to be judged.

Inspirations: 

A small selection of ideas to get you started. Get creative with your entry! We can't wait to see what you create. 

Remember, 4-Hers are eligible for discounts through Joann Fabrics: https://www.joann.com/4-h/

• Knitting Patterns for Beginners: https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/easy-knitting-patterns-for-new-knitters-2116495
• 4-H Panel Quilt: https://www.rileyblakedesigns.com/assets/images/freepatterns/quiltpatterns/4HFreePattern.pdf
• Sewing Projects to Make with Kids: https://sewcanshe.com/sewing-projects-for-kids/
• Grain Bag Tote Bag: https://www.fresheggsdaily.blog/2012/01/make-your-own-feed-bag-tote.html

Forms:

• Project Description Form-This form must be turned in for all items. The script needs to be lively and descriptive. Script should include the youth member’s name, age, and club as part of the narrative. Please review the commentary fact sheet to help guide youth while writing the script. Youth can enter one item per category. All items entered must be described in one script, as they will be modeled/exhibited all at the same time. Example: a 4-Her sews pajama pants and makes a crocheted scarf. Both would be worn at the same time and discussed in the same script while walking in the sewing showcase. Note: Each item needs its own Project Description Form but only one script per 4-Her.
• Scoresheets- We have new scoresheets this year to accommodate the new sewing categories. Additionally, Cloverbuds will not be scored on a points system but will receive feedback on their items. Scoresheets can be found here.

County Awards, Artisan Showcase (Fabrics and More), Eastern States Exposition & County Fair:

• Every participant receives a participation ribbon, small gift, and certificate at the Sullivan County 4-H Sewing Showcase on April 29th.
• Youth who qualify at the County Sewing Showcase will be invited to participate in Eastern States Exposition in September. To qualify, the 4-Her needs to be 12 years of age or older and be one of the top three scorers from one of the five entry categories. They must also meet the minimum score of 70 points to qualify.
• Items that were judged at the Sewing Evaluation Day can be entered into the 4-H Exhibit Hall at the Cornish Fair to receive further awards and premiums.

Items that were judged can be entered into the 4-H Exhibit Hall at the Cornish Fair to receive further awards and premium

Volunteers Needed!

Every year we are in need of volunteers to judge members sewing masterpieces.  If you are interested in becoming a judge please contact Lynn Brewer at Lynn.brewer@unh.edu.