My mother taught me how to sew and the first project was a skirt and from this day 18 years (I was 11 then)! She now tells me that how do I have so much patience and eagerness to sew these clothes :). At the time when i was high school then I did not want people to know that some clothes were self made, because I felt embarrassed that we did not have enough money to buy everything from stores.
Now I'm proud to tell anybody who asks where did I get this skirt or dress or jacket that I made it. Now I'm not sewing because I can't afford buying, but because of fun, creation and quality. Of course the skills have improved during the years (also thanks to Threads Magazine :)) but also equipment available has improved. If I'm comparing the sewing machine that I used 18 years ago or the one I just bought then the difference is huge! New one basically sews itself! :)
But i don't think that sewing is dying art - it more seems like wakening art. Due to the difficult times around the world then old skills and traditions are coming into fashion and honor. At least that's what I see and believe :)

I feel... i feel... that i need this machine :)!