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SDTA/SEA Pillow Patrol II is big hit at
2006 NAE-4H Extension Agents Convention

The Pillow Patrol II community service project program at the 2006 4-H Extension Agents Convention was a hit! The meeting took place in Milwaukee, WI, in October 2006.

Machine companies that sponsored this program and sent in machines to be used by the attendees included Baby Lock USA, Bernina of America, Brother International, Janome America, Singer Sewing Company, and VSM Inc.

Cranston/VIP provided fabric, and Wrights provided ribbon. Coats & Clark supplied the thread and DRG sent quilting and sewing magazines for door prizes and distribution. Sulky of America also provided door prizes.

At this meeting, the 4-H extension agents were able to sit down and sew. They got a real feel of the technology available in today’s machines. Many of these attendees had never sewn before and were impressed by the capabilities of today’s machines. The age group of those who sewed ranged from early 20s to late 50s. Both men and women had their chance at using a new sewing machine.

“I believe every educator had someone who sat down for the very first time in front of a machine,” said SDTA President Judy Patterson. “They walked away with a new found ability and discovered that they could, indeed, sew. In speaking to educators who assisted at this meeting, they felt this program was a success for educating consumers about the joy of sewing. We got also received rave reviews from the attendees and 4-H National.”

Educators in attendance were Marleen Baker of Singer Sewing Company, Scott Gramza and Mary Jane Witlin both of Brother International, Joyce Keske of Baby Lock, Margie Posbrig of Bigsby’s Sewing Center, and Mary Herro and Judy Heinrichs, both of Milwaukee Sewing Machine Co, Inc. In addition, during the two-day event more than 300 pillowcases were created on the machines. They were then donated to the Carter Development Center in Milwaukee, which works with the inner city children and families in many ways. The center was extremely excited to receive these much-needed pillowcases.

Patterson stated, “Together as an industry, we are making a difference in creating interest in sewing. We look forward to continuing with these programs in 2007 and beyond.”

SDTA would like to thank everyone who participated in this program. Pillow Patrol II is a community service program created by the Sewing Educators Alliance (SEA). The SEA is a Sewing Dealers Trade Association program. For more information on the SDTA/SEA Pillow Patrol programs, call 1-800-367-5651.