Share your creativity and help others bring their textile projects to life! Some individuals may struggle to find the motivation to finish their knitting or crochet projects. Others might need inspiration to complete a quilt top, want to learn how to mend their own clothes, or could be confused by a clothing pattern. This Projects Half Done (PHD) opportunity is where you can make a difference! Textile volunteers with skills in knitting, crocheting, sewing, quilting, and mending will support participants with their projects. You will provide friendly guidance, encouragement, and hands-on assistance to help them succeed. Volunteers for this opportunity will be supporting the staff during a public program, and it DOES NOT REQUIRE PERIOD APPAREL!
Impact
The individuals who volunteer their time and talents in the textile area help make it possible for others to experience these 19th-century skills that are still relevant today, create interest in these skills, enhance a more personalized experience in a program, and allow us to create beautiful items that have a function at the farm.
Tasks
Under the supervision of the assigned Staff Lead:
- Assist in greeting and getting participants checked in, to a station, and unpacking their projects.
- Volunteers will help create a welcoming and supportive environment for textile enthusiasts of all skill levels.
- Volunteers will help participants understand stitches, patterns and textile processes.
- Volunteers will work with participants to assist with the various steps to complete their project and help them build proficiency in each of the steps of the project.
- Volunteers will offer guidance in the textile area they are qualified in, and get assistance from staff lead and other volunteers as needed to support the participant.
- Encourage and motivate participants as they work through challenging or unfinished projects.
- Share knowledge, techniques, tips, and creative ideas that would enable the project to be completed.
- Volunteers can help participants learn about newer tools.
Eligibility
This opportunity is open to individual long-term volunteers ages 16 and up who have qualified as a Textile Demonstrator.
- GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 18 and up an eligible background check), plus Textile qualifications and check off. Simply click the blue RESPOND (4A86E8) button to begin completing the required qualifications or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.
Additional Notes
- Parking & Meeting Instructions: Please park and walk to the visitor center. Knock on the entrance door if you are arriving a little late and the staff will greet you! Click here for a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark. Volunteers should arrive 15 minutes before the beginning of the opportunity. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the day's agenda and other important information.
- Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place indoors. Volunteers may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects to 10 lbs or more. There will be sharp objects, knitting machines, looms, sewing machines, and other items that require you to be careful and work safely in a small space.
- Dress: Volunteers do not need to wear period apparel. Volunteers should dress for the weather, and wear their MetroParks name badge and t-shirt.
- Visit the Historic Interpreter page in our Training Library to see what training is required to become part of the Historic Interpreter volunteers.
Learn more about Skilled Trades opportunities with us on the Volunteer Position page! Have questions or need help getting started? Contact Volunteer Services at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or #937-275-7275 or join us at a Volunteer Open House.
Want to Branch Out? Exploring multiple opportunities is a great way to stay involved, build n
ew skills, and experience different parts of the parks! Consider this opportunity:
Shadow Experience: Historic Interpreter
