Keeping the youth engaged and actively learning new skills is crucial to avoiding the common loss of knowledge and skills known as “summer slide.” Raeford business The Sewing Fix is doing its part to instill new skills and nurture confidence and creativity with its Teen Summer Sewing Series for learners aged 12 to 17.

“I believe sewing uses so many skills that cross over with their school classes,” said Cristy Hunter Myers, the owner, lead technician and teacher at The Sewing Fix. 

Examples of these skills include science, reading comprehension and math. 

“Many homeschool families have approached me to offer more classes or camps during the school year because their children have loved the sewing camps so much. Sewing utilizes every aspect of what they’re doing in school,” she said.

For Myers, starting a sewing machine repair business was a logical next step after the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered many repair shops — especially those servicing the local area. Many sewists began crafting masks to serve the public, but they often didn’t know how to service their machines, and remaining repair shops had up to six-month waitlists.

With education from the Sewing Doc Academy, she ran her business out of her vehicle until acquiring a brick-and-mortar building in January 2026, enabling her to hold camps and classes — bolstered by her experience in running a licensed daycare for 30 years and a degree in Early Childhood Education.

The Teen Summer Sewing Series kicked off in June; the last camp will run Aug. 4-7. Camps are held at The Sewing Fix at 109 Cumberland Ave. from 12:45 p.m. to 4:15 p.m., with snacks and drinks provided. Tickets for the 4-day camp cost $150, which includes all supplies, and students receive a take-home workbook for future projects. See what activities are held each day at https://www.facebook.com/events/1523467902647913/. 

Camps have been selling out fast. Myers says parents are eager to get their kids involved in a pastime that prevents boredom and keeps youth out of trouble, especially those living in rural areas with fewer options for fun. 

“Children tend to pick up on things pretty quickly, so it’s a perfect time for them to start learning new skills. It allows them to be creative, make their own clothing, repair their favorite clothing and possibly allow them to make more spending money than working fast food by selling the items they make,” said Myers. “My goal for everyone — children and adults — is to leave class feeling like they can do anything they practice and put their mind to.”

If you’re unable to register for the Teen Summer Sewing Series due to high demand, Myers reassures that learning opportunities abound. One is Bobbin Buddies, a preteen/teen club beginning in July and continuing throughout the school year. It costs $40/month for weekly meetings; during the summer, students will meet on Mondays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Learn about membership at https://thesewingfix.com/bobbinbuddies. 

Online classes are available for all ages who want to learn about sewing and prefer a remote experience. Explore the full range offered at https://thesewingfix.com/#classes. 

For next summer, Myers plans to hold more camps each month to accommodate high interest. She also anticipates adding camps during other school breaks. More camps mean more moments of connection and joy among young learners. 

“When they pop back into that young child where the smile just takes over them because they’re so excited and so happy that they’ve created something, that is by far my favorite part,” said Myers.

Get information on sewing machine repairs and sewing lessons at http://www.thesewingfix.com/. You can also send inquiries to TheSewingFix@iCloud.com or call 910-302-7178.