The mission of the North Carolina Extension and Community Association (ECA) is to strengthen families through:

• Leadership Development
• Volunteer Work
• Educational Support
• Research-based education from North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T State University

Members of ECA volunteer in many capacities across North Carolina to enhance their club, county and community.

The Sit & Knit Extension Community Association (ECA) Club is an inclusive, welcoming community fiber arts group for adults (18+) in Cherokee County. Sponsored by the N.C. Cooperative Extension, this open-membership group brings together crafters from all over the county to socialize, learn new skills, and share their love for fiber arts.

Whether you are a seasoned expert or have never held a pair of needles or crochet hook, you are welcome here! The club provides a friendly, supportive environment to work on your portable fiber projects, swap tips, and meet new friends.

What We Do:

• All Fiber Crafts Welcome: While we are called "Sit & Knit," we welcome knitters, crocheters, and anyone working on portable fiber art projects.
• Learn to Knit or Crochet: Beginners are highly encouraged to attend! The club provides beginner kits for both knitting and crochet, and instruction/guidance is available upon request.
• Crafting for a Cause: Our primary objective is to give back. Throughout the year, members collectively craft and collect handmade items—such as hats, gloves, scarves, and blankets—to donate to local organizations (like the Department of Social Services) to keep neighbors warm during the cold months. (Donation projects are encouraged but entirely optional; you are always welcome to work on your personal projects!)

Meeting Times & Location

All meetings are held at the Extension Education Annex (699 Connahetta Street, Murphy, NC), located across from the rock gym and adjacent to the Murphy Health and Fitness gym. Meetings are open and held every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

The Sew Much Fun Extension Community Association (ECA) Club is a vibrant, friendly group dedicated to the art of sewing in Cherokee County. Sponsored by the N.C. Cooperative Extension, and led by volunteer instructor Tamra Lee Corley-Dunn, this open-membership club brings together sewing enthusiasts of all backgrounds—from absolute beginners to advanced makers—to share techniques, inspire one another, and enjoy the craft together.

If you have a passion for fabric, a desire to master your machine, or just want to create in the company of fellow sewists, you will find a welcoming home here!

What We Do:

• A Variety of Stitching Styles: From quilting and garment making to home decor, upcycling, and general crafting, we celebrate all types of sewing projects.
• Skill Sharing & Growth: Beginners are always welcome! Members love to share tips, troubleshoot machine issues, demystify patterns, and swap creative ideas in a supportive, judgment-free environment.
• Community Comforts: In alignment with our ECA mission, the club frequently participates in community service sewing initiatives, (Sew for a Cause events) creating handmade items like pillowcases, tote bags, or blankets for local organizations in need.

Bring Your Own Project: Our regular gatherings are structured as "open sew" sessions. Just bring your portable sewing machine, your current project, and your favorite tools!

Meeting Times & Location

The Sew Much Fun Club meets every fourth Friday of the month to connect, create, and inspire. All meetings are held at the Extension Education Annex (699 Connahetta Street, Murphy, NC), located across from the rock gym and adjacent to the Murphy Health and Fitness gym.

The Sew Much Fun Sew Club offers project and skill based classes on eventbrite.

The Grape Creek Homemaker & Unaka Extension Community Association (ECA) Clubs are a dedicated group of neighbors in Cherokee County focused on community service, fellowship, and the art of giving back. Sponsored by the N.C. Cooperative Extension, these welcoming clubs bring members together to use their hands and hearts to support local heroes, educators, and neighbors in need.

If you have a passion for sewing, a heart for volunteering, and a desire to make a tangible difference in our community, you will find a warm and rewarding home here.

What We Do:

Sewing for Comfort and Care: A central focus of our club is creating handmade, sewn items to comfort those facing medical challenges or major life milestones. Members regularly sew and donate specialized items, including:

• Cancer Pillows: Comfort pillows specifically designed for local patients undergoing treatment.
• Walker Caddies: Handy, fabric organizers to assist neighbors with mobility challenges.
• Baby Items & Blankets: Soft, handmade essentials to welcome and comfort the youngest members of our community.
• Honoring Local Veterans: Each year, the club takes great pride in organizing and hosting a special Veterans Dinner to honor and thank our local servicemen and servicewomen for their dedication and sacrifice.
• Supporting Our Educators: To show our deep appreciation for local schools, members lovingly assemble and deliver custom care baskets for teachers to help them kick off or power through the school year.

Meeting Times & Location

Whether you are an experienced sewist or simply want to lend a hand with our community dinners and teacher appreciation baskets, we would love for you to join our next meeting!

The Grape Creek Homemakers meet at Ebenezer Baptist Church on the third Thursday of the Month at 9:30am.

The Unaka Hearts & Hands meet at the Unaka Community Development Center.

Follow the Cherokee County Extension Community Association - ECA page on Facebook.

Contact Marlana Baker, ECA Liaison at the Cherokee County Center via email at marlana_baker@ncsu.edu or call (828) 837-2210 ext. 5.