4-H'ers model their crafts during fashion revue

Lyon County 4-H’ers had the opportunity to show off their clothing construction and clothing buymanship skills Saturday evening during the public fashion revue in the Anderson Building on the fairgrounds.

Judging for both classes was held earlier in the day, with the fashion revue being a celebration of the new outfits 4-H’ers picked out or created.

Lyon County Extension Agent Corinne Patterson said the project was a great learning experience for young people.

“The clothing construction project is where 4-H’ers actually sew their garment,” she said. “They either made their entire outfit or a piece of it and then modeled it. In some cases, they sewed both pajama pants and a pillow case. Projects are judged both for the construction of the outfit and for the modeling of that outfit.”

Patterson said there were many things for 4-H’ers to consider if they chose the buymanship avenue.

“For clothing buymanship, 4-H’ers utilize that project to think about their wardrobe and what they need to purchase for the upcoming school year or an event they may be going to,” she said. “They also think about how that piece will work into their wardrobe later on, so they can get cost-per-wear and be able to add to their wardrobe in a positive way and not just spend their money buying clothes that don’t mix and match. They meet with a judge to conference about why they selected their outfit and how they accessorized it. Then they model it to do the poise and fit.”

Many girls and boys from various 4-H clubs participated in the revue, with their parents and family members in the audience, cheering them on as their names were called.

“We have a lot of young people involved in this project,” Patterson said. “It’s one of our more popular projects because we all wear clothing. Parents and family members want our young people to make good decisions — good buying decisions — and I think that’s why there are a lot of young people involved in this project.

“It’s also fun to be able to say, ‘Mom and Dad, I have to buy a new outfit for my fair project.’ We hope kids will think about this year-round, though, and not just during the fair when they are modeling the outfit they picked. We want them to make conscious decisions and learn how to care for their clothing. Washing clothes is important when we all become adults, but many times we are not teaching those skills in the households as much, but we still teach them through 4-H.”

Taylor Kelley, 14, modeled a 40s retro style formal for the buymanship category and received a blue ribbon.

“This project was definitely a learning experience,” she said. “Nineteen dresses later, I finally found one that fit me right and was long enough. I like my dress a lot. It was comfortable and fit me well. I also had to pick out shoes to match and decide how to do my hair. We found a headband that had the same colors as my dress, so it matched well.”

Taylor’s mother, Shelly, said the project was new for her daughter this year.

“It was a very interesting dynamic for me because we tried on at least 19 different dresses in two different towns, and we finally found the right one,” Shelly Kelley said. “One of the tough things for Taylor was finding a dress that was long enough. For her, it’s also a challenge to find one that is fitting and age appropriate. We decided to go back to a little bit more of that 40s retro style and made sure we matched her hairstyle with it. It was a lot of fun.”

Mackenzie Kelley, 10, followed her sister’s lead and also joined 4-H. She has participated in 4-H for three years and said she loves it.

“The fashion revue tonight was a lot of fun,” she said. “I’m in Busy Beavers. It’s fun to be with friends and try new projects. I did the buymanship project. 4-H projects are great learning experiences.”

Shelly Kelley said participating in 4-H was a great experience for her family.

“I think one of the biggest things they both receive from 4-H is that it helps boost their confidence,” she said. “It teaches them to not be afraid to get up in front of individuals and be able to communicate with people. One of the other things they enjoy is the camaraderie. Being in 4-H is good for the family. Everyone is here to help each other.”

Patterson said it takes a commitment from the families participating to put on the fashion revue.

“One parent might be helping their child get ready for the show, while the other parent is in the audience, cheering that child on,” she said. “4-H is still truly a family activity and is one where everyone is involved. Brothers, sisters and parents can all do these events together. That’s what we love about 4-H; you still have that family time together and they can share those experiences with grandparents, aunts and uncles. That’s what 4-H is all about, family.”Read more at:http://www.marieprom.co.uk/cheap-prom-dresses-uk | prom dress

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