I've been sewing for 35+ years although I by no means would call myself an expert. I learned to sew in Home Ec in high school. Really funny -- our first project was to make a pair of pants. Mine were bright lime green (the only fabric I could afford to buy). I don't know what I was thinking, but I was so proud of my pants that I actually wore them in public after they were finished. They just about fell apart within days. I guess I didn't get the part about locking stitches at the beginning and ending of the seams. But, I had so much fun learning, that I've been at it ever since, and my latest passion is machine embroidery. Love it, love it, love it!