There are television networks dedicated to how you can improve and decorate your home, cook a meal, and plant a garden while saving the Earth at the same time. Today’s surge in revitalizing home economics is all about sustainable living, repurposing materials, going green and shopping vintage.
But in Cheryl Richards’ studio, the popularity of sewing is all about fun.
Richards, who runs Sew In Style School of Sewing in Beavercreek, teaches 50 kids a week, ranging in age from 8 to 15, how to sew.
“I saw a need for it, and the kids really wanted to learn,” Richards said. “Sewing develops so many skills they can’t get anywhere else.”
Sewing challenges her students to learn math and problem-solving and to exercise their creativity, Richards said.
She said some of her students start with big dreams.
“They all want to be designers, and that’s great, but we’re starting with a pillowcase.” Richards said. “The hardest lesson for kids to learn is patience. That is why we start with a pillowcase because they can finish it in one class. They need that instant gratification.”
Judi Ketteler, author of “Sew Retro: A Stylish History of the Sewing Revolution + 25 Vintage-Inspired Projects for the Modern Girl” (www.sewretrothebook.com), believes sewing is popular again because it is not required.
“Learning to sew is no longer essential for women — it’s not “expected” that we do it simply because we are girls. And truthfully, that is why it’s appealing so much to younger generations. We see that we have a choice, and that is very liberating,” Ketteler said.
Young women today are attracted to sewing for many of the same reasons older generations were, Ketteler said.
“It’s a great pastime, it’s refreshing to work with your hands, and it’s a wonderful creative outlet,” Ketteler said, noting that today’s woman also wants to “fight against mass consumerism and big-box retail mentality. We want to put our individual stamp on things, from clothing to purses to bedspreads to potholders. And young women have figured out that sewing or embroidery or knitting, or any of the textile arts, gives them a way to do that.”
Anita Peck, an elementary teacher from West Carrollton, has completed some basic sewing projects.
“I usually only sew when there is something I really want to make. About six years ago, I made blankets that fold into pillows. Last summer I made pockets to fit on the chairs at school. The kids keep their supplies in them,” Peck said.
Leah Brough, Kettering, focuses her attention on the home economics of cooking and gardening.
“I love to cook and hope to start a garden this spring/summer. Cooking is mostly self-taught with recipe assistance from my grandmother,” Brough said, noting that the gardening will be her husband’s responsibility. “His dad is an avid gardener and brought the boys up having them help.”
Brough is focused on healthy and eco-friendly living.
“My reason for wanting to learn more about cooking and gardening is to be ‘green.’ I hope to grow vegetables and cook them at home. I would like for my daughter to see where food comes from. I try to cook at home for our health. I am also kind of a hippie, though. I cloth diaper, made all of my daughter’s baby food. We use all-natural cleaning and hygiene products.” Brough said. “I feel like a lot of the reasons these things are back in style is the desire to live “green.”
Shannon Brown, Miamisburg, credits her enjoyment of cooking to her mom’s instruction in the kitchen.
“I do like to cook, bake and to try new recipes. Most of my cooking and baking experience was gained from just watching my mom in the kitchen. She was always hands-on and never shooed us out. I believe that made me feel more comfortable in the kitchen and in my cooking pursuits,” Brown said.
“Aside from that, my skills are quite poor; however, if I have any questions, I know I can turn to her.”
Whether you choose to sew a pillow or a dress, bake a cake from scratch or plant some sunflower seeds, home economics today is about creative expression, which is always cool.
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