LEARNING TO SEW — The Sycamore Youth Center will be offering a sewing camp for area students interested in taking part. Agatha Lensing, at left, practiced her ironing skills during the last camp, while at right, those in the camp showed off the skirts they learned to make. Some of the children even wore their skirts to church the following Sunday. Participants included, from left, Ruth Wingerter, Coeli Wingerter, Lensing, Rose Owen and Eleanor Matanaer. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — Sewing can sometimes be a difficult task to master.

It takes time. It takes coordination.

It takes a good instructor to teach the ins and outs of how to utilize a sewing machine properly, ensuring every stitch is precise. Every seem, even.

Area youths will soon have the opportunity to learn more about this ever-growing lost art form through a sewing camp that is being offered through the Sycamore Youth Center.

The camp is for those between the ages of 8 and 18. The program is scheduled to run from Jan. 20-24 at the center, located at 301 N. Fourth St. in Steubenville.

According to Bobbyjon Bauman, the center’s executive director, the previous sewing camp took place during the summer and was a “smashing success.”

He spoke of last year’s participants who made their own apparel, including skirts.

The children were so proud of what they had accomplished through the program that they wore their new fashionable attire to church the following Sunday, he recalled.

“We are excited to be announcing the return of our popular sewing camp,” Bauman stated. “This month’s camp promises to be another exciting week of creativity and learning.”

Led by Marianne DuBois, an experienced instructor, the sessions will take place from 3:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. There are only 12 spots available in the four-day program, Bauman noted, adding officials are encouraging those who are interested in registering to do so early enough that they can ensure a place in the class.

The camp is free of charge and open to area youths who meet the age requirement.

Participants will be responsible for their own transportation to and from the class, daily.

“This sewing camp will provide a fun, hands-on opportunity for students to develop or enhance their sewing skills,” Bauman concluded. “This is a chance for your child to learn valuable life skills and how to express their creativity.”

Interested families can register at sycamorecenter.churchcenter.com/people/forms/727352.

For information or questions, contact DuBois at (740) 424-6854.