This looks like exactly the kind of reference that every seamstress needs in the library at home. I would love to have this book to pass on to my nieces when it's time. I'm hoping that at least one of them will be willing to carry on the sewing after I'm gone.
- Jane

I actually *have* a machine just like that at home! My brother gave it to me for Christmas one year - best Christmas present ever. He got it at an auction. The date on it is 1868. No, I've never used it, but it is workable, according to the collector that I showed it to.
- Jane

Someone said that Gretchen is still in the running because she creates drama, and drama equals ratings. Unfortunately, that's true, but I'm with all of you. Mondo is the clear winner (I've never seen such an obvious winner before!), and I hate Gretchen's looks. However, I also admit that I probably hate Gretchen's designs because I dislike her so intensely. I was sorry to see Michael go, but I think he'll go far anyway.

I started sewing with my mother's old Singer (heavy black and gold, before they sold their name), but it was in a cabinet and we didn't have to put it away. I have never resorted to keeping a sewing machine in the closet - it's an important part of my decor! *laugh*

My mother was a fantastic seamstress, very talented. I was the oldest daughter, so you *know* she had to teach me. I was 4 years old, and she got navy blue gingham with the tiny squares, and we made matching mother-daughter aprons by hand. The gingham was to help me with even stitches. I still remember that apron. She gave me my first sewing kit, a wicker basket with the necessary stuff in it, and I still have that basket 45 years later, rather tattered and worn now. The local 4H group got me onto a sewing machine at age 8, but my mother was always there to teach me the fine points. I made a lot of stuff over the years, even her Mother-of-the-Bride dress when my sister got married.

We all know how to sew, by the way. My father, my sister, and all three brothers are familiar with sewing and know how to use a machine, but I'm the one who really took off with it. I'm supposed to teach my nieces how to sew, but it turns out that I'm not as good as teaching as my mother was.