Thanks to those who have posted stories--I, too look forward to hearing more! They are wonderful!

I don't exactly remember my very first sewing project, but I do remember growing up that I was thrilled when my aunt sewed a shorts outfit for me--I think I was 11. My mother did not sew, but all my aunts and grandmother did. I would always secretly get the sewing machine out when visiting my grandmother (if it wasn't out) and sewed through my finger once! Even that didn't cause me to quit! I was always fascinated by those who could sew and wanted to learn! I do remember having very patient 4-H leaders that would even come to my house and help me with my projects. How grateful I am for the time they spent teaching me!

I did go on to become a Family and Consumer Sciences teacher and one of the favorite projects was making quilts. (I just had a note from a former student a couple of days ago telling me she still has her quilt and still uses it after several years.) I have never made a quilt myself, but now that I am not teaching, maybe someday I will! I have helped several 4-H kids with sewing projects to in part repay those who helped me so much. One of my first projects was an apron--I still have it. I think I got a red ribbon, which I was extremely proud of! I did go on to earn many purples and always made a new outfit for any school dance we had in high school. I spent most every summer and every weekend at the sewing machine! I don't sew much any more, but am moving to a new job and am thinking that maybe I will set up one of my machines to have it handy! I do really miss sewing! If anyone knows of any "causes" I could sew for, please let me know--I'm thinking cancer caps, baby blankets, etc.--but anything would be okay with me! I have also always wanted to sew costumes for performers! I just saw "Wicked" on stage and would have loved to work on costumes for that production! It was great having a seat close enough (front row) that I could really get a good look at them!