From Mrs. Sarah Gooch, Business Educator, Family and Consumer Science Educator, FBLA Adviser
November 11, 2020 - The Fashion, Textiles, and Design program started last year at Mexico High School. The Mexico community has supported this program through local grants and generous donations of fabrics, machines, and sewing supplies for the classroom. The Fashion program has received over $57,000 in total contributions. Thank you to the numerous organizations and individuals in your support of our students! One of the large grants has purchased “state of the art” sewing machines for our students to be successful and use current technology. Another large grant will purchase a commercial embroidery machine.
The Fashion, Textiles, and Design program that started last year has grown rapidly. The enrollment has increased three-fold, increasing from 13 students last year to 39 students this school year. It has been over 30 years since there has been a sewing program at Mexico High School.
“When students create with their hands, they have a sense of accomplishment. They build their skill level and their confidence at the same time. Students are energized and encouraged when they see their new skills take form into a finished product. The enthusiasm that the students have for this skill is amazing and their curiosity for higher level sewing skills continues to grow,” Instructor, Sarah Gooch explains. “The skills they are learning in this class will help them throughout their lives. Not only will they have knowledge of sewing, but they will also develop their self confidence, build their fine motor skills, improve their focus and concentration and learn to develop their concentration and patience.”
Students use applied math skills, reading skills, problem solving, creative thinking, pattern drafting, pattern reading, ingenuity, and perseverance. The students have created masks, pincushions, potholders, placemats, pillowcases, aprons, and zippered pouches so far this year. In the coming months, students will design and sew Christmas decorations, bags, pajama pants and clothing. Students will also alter, recycle and repair current clothing. Senior, Anna Auwarter has designed and created a quilt as a second year project in the Advanced Fashion, Textiles, and Design course. Follow the Mexico High Facebook page for photos and updates on the class.