With all of the potential Internet offerings for youth today, Lorna Walker never gave a conventional hobby like sewing a second thought. That is, until she saw her older sister, Maggie, doing it.

Roughly two years later, sewing has become a mainstay in Lorna’s life, and she gained an award to show her progress and ongoing mastery of the art.

Lorna, who is a fifth grader at Lehighton Elementary School, won a ribbon for Best in Show recently at the Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg for her creation of a light multicolored tote bag with a pink handle. She was entered in the Youth Textile category.

For Lorna, sewing has provided an outlet of determination and satisfaction.

“I saw my sister doing it and I wanted to learn how,” she recalled. “Once I started, I didn’t realize how challenging sewing could be. When I was able to complete projects, I felt accomplished.”

Walker was motivated by the tote bag made by Kristin Simmons, her 4-H leader. The 10-year-old noted that it was an eight-hour project.

“I saw Kristin’s bag that she made and I wanted to make my own,” Lorna said. “I was so enthusiastic that I made something all by myself. I was very proud of my bag when I finished it.”

Simmons has watched Lorna develop her hobby, and she also has relished the moments with her.

“Through the years I have worked with her, she has gained many skills,” Simmons said. “Each year she has built upon prior skills and has improved them. She made good color choices for her tote bag and did beautiful topstitching. She is pleasure and joy to work with

Beth Walker, Lorna’s mother, never had any interest in showing. However, it began to peak after her oldest daughter began the endeavor four years ago.

“I learned some things when Maggie started,” Beth Walker said. “Maggie always wanted to learn, and the 4-H camp was the perfect opportunity. Lorna was too young to start the first year we joined. But soon Lorna wanted to make things like Maggie.”

Their mother noted how the girls attend a sewing camp for a week during the summer sponsored by the 4-H. They also have implemented their sewing to help brighten other’s lives.

“They truly enjoy sewing,” said their mother. “They make pillows for their teachers at the end of the year. They also enjoy making homemade gifts for people.”

The older sister, who is 13 and in seventh grade, was happy for her younger sister’s accomplishment. She sees her hobby as an art form.

“I was excited for her,” gushed Maggie. “Sewing feels good because you see your hard work. It shows patience, and creativity. Sewing shows what your imagination can do.

“You don’t have to be perfect to make something amazing.”

The younger sister has taken the cure from her older sister.

“I enjoy making pillows for my teachers and friends,” beamed Lorna. “I get to custom make them a pillow or something based on what they like. It feels so rewarding to give my teachers a handmade pillow at the end of the year.”

Lorna plans to continue her sewing venture, but she presently doesn’t see it developing into a future career.

“I’m having fun,” she beamed. “I think it is a hobby for now. It is great to give gifts to people and make them happy. I’m looking to do more creative things.”

The girls currently have been working on quilts and blocks, which is a small square that is placed on a large board with other blocks. Some of their creations have been donated to underprivileged children in other countries. They both are also involved in West Penn Pack 756 Scouts, and have both gained some accolades along the way.

“They feel a sense of accomplishment for what they have made,” emphasized their mother. “They are really focused on what they are doing. They’re good kids, and I’m really proud of them.”