MA Thesis/Project

Abstract:

After school hours are when youths are most likely to commit crimes or become victims of accidents. After-school and out-of school program providers keep youths occupied during peak hours when working parents are unavailable and youths are at risk. 4-H has been a successful provider of after-school and out-of-school curricula that actively engages youths and develops character traits essential to maturity and positive contributions to society. The review of literature and pilot studies for this paper demonstrated a necessity for fiber arts related project materials that: 1) appeal to youth; 2) are designed for completion in limited time frames; 3) include opportunities for character development; and 4) reinforce skills and learning within typical academic subjects. This paper and resulting curriculum project reflect the need for curriculum materials for after-school and out-of-school program providers in the area of fiber arts and clothing and textiles. 4-H and Extension audience experience was background to development of the Fun with Fabric curriculum guide. This curriculum for after-school and out-of-school programs was produced on CD-ROM in full color and includes nine projects with related assessment tools for skills documentation.

MA in Apparel, Merchandising, and Textiles

This spring has been a bit crazy. I guess I knew it would be. On March 23, I defended my thesis at WSU in the AMT dept. It was one big day with the morning devoted to WSU's Academic Showcase and the afternoon presenting my thesis/project to faculty and friends.

My capstone project is a curriculum guide for 4-H after-school clubs in the area of fiber arts and sewing. The guide provides comprehensive instructions for 9 quick and easy projects plus additional activities for community service and leadership. The guide is on CD-ROM in full color.

We have the quick projects up for download at the WA 4-H site but in the near future the CD will be offered for sale. Proceeds will cover production and postage plus a contribution will be made to our state 4-H foundation that will go to the 4-H Clothing and Textiles Committee.

Graduation was on May 5. I had the privilege of meeting Deborah Vandermar, the first distance student admitted to WSU's AMT dept. I am most likely the last. Too bad! I think both Deborah and I would say that it was most advantageous to be able to do our master's from our home and remain employed and in touch with family. I hope to see others have this opportunity.

2006 Quilting Camp Photos

I will post more and better pictures but here are some quilts and the thank you cards from last year. Each one of the kids made postcards from their quilt scraps to thank the volunteer who helped them.

Quilting with Kids

It's that time of year when I start gearing up for 4-H quilting camp. Organizing volunteers will be the big effort now that we have a location secured. Our volunteers are the people who make our camps a special place each year. Without them our youth participants would not have the assistance they need to complete their large lap sized quilts.

June 17, '07

We held our orientation and field trip for 4-H quilting camp on Friday. This year, we will have 8 girls making pillowcases and quilts starting on Monday. They all selected great fabrics so be prepared to see some wonderful quilts! We had to switch locations for the camp this year so we can't accommodate the usual ten participants. Too bad because we had 2 more who wanted to join us.

One of our participants is attending for her 3rd year. She is making her brother's graduation gift. Her quilt is going to be queen size with frogs as the theme in the picture blocks. Last year she made the single bed size quilt in the lower left of the 2006 pictures. The rest of the girls will make our usual large lap size simple log cabin quilt.