Remember when Home Ec was a staple course offering in our high schools? Yeah, neither do I! Actually, when I was in high school, they only offered it one year, and then the program was dropped. And I missed out on it, which I am still sad about to this day! It seems that as our schools look for areas to make cuts, this is one that is always at the top of the list. Although I understand the logic, I wish that it would be brought back as a core course. Granted, I have a personal love of all things domestic, but it would serve a great purpose to ready our kids for life out in the real world. These days, many parents don't have basic skills taught in these classes. Unless they have been instructed by their own parents to sew a button, make a basic nutritious meal, and overall concepts of managing their home life, today's parents do not know these things themselves! Look at the rise in homes where the only food eaten is take out, and clothes are tossed simply because they need a small repair? I know that in my age group, I know very few moms who cook, clean, or alter the family clothes. They spend far more money on take out, cleaning services, and buying clothing rather than fix a hem. And it is evidenced that beyond my circle this is a problem based on the questions I get all the time.
However, St. John's has a wonderful gem on their staff! Mrs. Fehrenbach has been teaching the life sciences course there for a number of years, and has been very proactive in making sure that her students are prepared for these everyday needs. But she has gone above and beyond, and has introduced her students to both knitting and quilting! And, as it turns out, they love it! Just the other day she was telling me about how many quilts they have made for charity, and all of the thread they have gone through. Back when I had my fabric/yarn shop, she was in on a regular basis and we would discuss the latest projects and come up with ideas for involving the students even more. And sometimes I was fortunate enough to be able to donate the items she needed for the class. If I had it in stock, or even if I had to order it, I was glad to do it, because her love for her kids is so inspiring. Her kids even participated in our World Wide Knit in Public Day, even though most worked on finishing some quilts for a charity project.
Why am I so excited that she has introduced these additional skills? You may think that knitting and quilting aren't necessary things to know in the real world. Okay, I'll give you that one. But there is value in them. Did you know that knitting and quilting can help with math abilities, hand-eye coordination, and behavior problems? And that later in life, these "hobbies" can be beneficial for relaxation and stress relief? And being taught them by someone so gentle, kind, fun, and inspiring can really instill a love for them that will last a lifetime.
I am a self-taught knitter, crocheter, quilter, and seamstress due to my own interest in these things. But if I had not had the interest in them, I would not have been fortunate enough to be introduced to them by someone else. My own mom doesn't sew or do fiber work. And it was when I was a kid she got interested in cross-stitch (which she does beautifully!). She did teach me cross-stitch, and although I can do it very well, it just hasn't kept up with the changing times to hold my interest now. The kids in St. Johns are so very lucky to be exposed to these things externally. And they will now have skills that will not only help them with basic life management, they will also have learned that these things can be relaxing and fulfilling as a hobby.
If you have such a teacher in your area, encourage them and support them! If you are someone who can do these things, share your talents and help them with their projects while inspiring the kids to keep at it. If you are someone who can't do these things because you had no one to teach you or inspire you, encourage your community education programs to start up some classes and find out for yourself how rewarding it can be. And if you don't have a Home Ec/Life Sciences class in your school, perhaps it's time to lobby for one?
Everyone should be so lucky to have Mrs. Fehrenbach in their midst! Keep up the good work, and be sure to call me when you start your next round of quilting projects/knitting projects in the fall so I can join the fun!
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