Perspective | Threads of innovation: Englewood Elementary students build skills through sewing and creativity

At Englewood Elementary School in Nash County, learning has taken on a new dimension — through fabric, thread, and the hum of sewing machines.

Thanks to a Bright Ideas grant from Wake Electric, art teacher Deidra Hunter launched “Threads of Innovation,” an after-school sewing club that offered fourth- and fifth-grade students a unique hands-on learning experience rooted in creativity and real-world skills, with support from teachers Karla Reynolds, Shari Mennig, Dollie Borum, and Amanda Thomas.

The Bright Ideas Grant program, established in 1994, provides funding for innovative, classroom-based projects that bring creative learning to life for students across North Carolina. Sponsored by electric cooperatives throughout the state, the program supports educators who have original ideas that aren’t covered by traditional school budgets. To date, the program has funded thousands of projects and impacted nearly four million students.

“Bright Ideas grants are a key way our cooperative supports education in our service territory,” said Kirk Metcalf, vice president of member services and human resources at Wake Electric. “These grants remove the obstacle of funding, allowing local educators to focus on bringing their best ideas to life for our students. Wake Electric is proud to support educators like Ms. Hunter and the positive impact she is making at her school.” 

Hunter applied for and received the Bright Ideas Grant earlier this year, using the funds to purchase sewing machines and materials to launch the club. The club met twice a week over a five-week period, introducing students to the basics of machine sewing while also reinforcing broader educational goals such as problem-solving, focus, and technical application. For five weeks this past school year, staff have watched the weekly sewing club meetings in action — where students steadily grew more confident, learning new techniques and expanding their skills week by week. Projects included pencil pouches, purses, and even early lessons in how to hem fabric.

“Sewing enhances fine motor skills, strengthens concentration, and teaches students how to problem-solve in real time,” said Hunter. “They have to measure, plan, adjust when something doesn’t go right, and stay focused throughout the process. It’s a powerful learning tool.”

The club builds on foundations already introduced during regular art classes, where all grade levels have practiced basic hand-sewing techniques, such as making plush fabric items and embroidered patterns. But the after-school sewing club took things further, giving fourth and fifth graders the chance to use sewing machines and complete multiple finished projects.

“It’s fun, it’s like I would never have had this opportunity,” said fifth grader Addison Purdy. “I’ve learned how to use a sewing machine properly without having to mess anything up. We have made a tote bag, a pencil pouch, a key chain, and a zipper bag.”

Beyond the technical skills, the club also created a calming, collaborative environment for students.

“The club is fun and calming,” shared fifth grader Dalirah Sumler. “It helps me calm down. Like if I come in here frustrated from my third block, the sewing club calms me down and helps me concentrate. It’s been fun and I like meeting new people.”

Hunter believes that programs like “Threads of Innovation” are vital to student development. In addition to promoting creativity, the club reinforces core academic skills like math (through measuring and spatial reasoning), reading (by following patterns and instructions), and social-emotional learning (through patience, resilience, and peer collaboration).

Only open to fourth and fifth grade students, the club quickly became a highlight of the school year — showcasing what’s possible when students are empowered with both tools and trust.

“With every stitch, these students are not only learning how to sew — they’re learning how to think creatively, solve problems, and believe in their ability to bring an idea to life,” said Hunter.

Through “Threads of Innovation,” Englewood Elementary is threading imagination, empowerment, and education together — one stitch at a time.