(Editor's note: This article is the sixth in an eight-part series featuring the SKIES Unlimited program, which is designed to enrich military children's lives by expanding their knowledge, allowing them to explore and learn new skills.)

FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Fort Drum youths are learning to artistically express themselves with needles and thread, one piece of fabric at a time.

One aspect of the Schools of Knowledge, Inspiration, Exploration and Skills is to teach children practical skills. Sewing is an essential skill for children to learn, explained Debbie Kennedy, SKIES instructional program specialist.

Kennedy and Mindy Dunlap, associate instructor, teach the Sew-Kool Sewing and Krafts class.

The class, open to youths 7 and older, is offered Wednesdays at the Riva Ridge Center on post.

"(Youths) learn how to sew for themselves so they can fix things that rip, seams that give out or zippers (that break)," she said. "(Sewing) gives them a sense of confidence that they can make whatever they want."

In addition to it being an important life skill, sewing also helps develop creativity and imagination -- an important ability taught in most SKIES classes, Kennedy added.

Children are able to be as creative as they want, since the projects they create don't necessarily follow particular guidelines and they usually create their own patterns.

Program participants tackle basic projects at the beginner level, initially learning how to sew by hand and machine, as well as how to safely use the tools and machines.

Some are a little intimidated when they start using the sewing machine, but once the youths learn to thread it, set up the bobbin, and learn the parts -- basically familiarizing themselves with the machine -- they are less intimidated, Kennedy noted.

"I think it's a good skill for everyone to learn so they know how to do things for themselves," she added.

Throughout the program, youths have made crafty items, such as fabric boxes, patchwork wreaths, stuffed animals and pillows.

They also volunteered to make dresses for "Little Dresses for Africa," a nonprofit organization the children found on the Internet. Dresses were mailed to Africa, where they were distributed to orphanages, churches and schools.

In addition to the dresses, the group also has made pillowcases for another program that supports leukemia patients, and they plan to make pet blankets for the Jefferson County SPCA, Watertown.

"I've seen (the children) more excited about doing projects for other people than projects for themselves," Kennedy said.

Kennedy noted the class is designed so anyone -- no matter what their skill level -- could sign up and learn about sewing. Once instructors observe how the children work with the basic sewing aspects, participants are separated by skill level.

Another lesson staff members teach students is to finish one project before starting another.

"Our focus is to finish what they're working on and do the best they can, before we can have them move on to something that might be a little more intriguing for them," she said.

Patricia Copeland praises the sewing class because it provides "crafty instruction" her daughter, Robyn, 10, doesn't get in school.

"(The class) is a way for Robyn to gain skills she can't learn at home," she added.

She also said she enrolled her daughter in the class because it is good way for children to socialize with other youths who have the same interests. Robyn also participates in the SKIES taekwondo class.

Copeland noted that since the SKIES classes are offered to military children, her daughter gets to interact with other children whose parent, like hers, is deployed.

In addition to improving the current sewing class, staff members also are working on designing programs that focus on developing and remodeling clothing, also known as "drab to fab" fashions.

The staff plans to add more classes this summer, including one-day programs that will allow them to complete an entire project in one day.

Kennedy noted program participation relies heavily on word of mouth and promotion through social media. Staff members are always looking for local organizations in need of items the sewing participants can create to donate.

They also appreciate donated scrap material. Project suggestions and fabric donations should be directed to Kennedy at 772-0629.

For more information about the program or class availability, visit www.facebook.com/FortDrumSkies or the post's Family Morale, Welfare and Recreation website at www.drummwr.com/ChildandYouthServices.