As a child I watched my mother participate in a sewing group. She was successful because her friends helped her so much. When sewing was offered in Home Ec in the 60's I was given my first chance at a sewing machine. I made myself an apron out of some wild lime colored paisley cotton fabric. I became hooked, mostly because I felt such a huge feeling of success from sewing a bunch of straight lines, pressing well and being able to use the item! I loved it way more than cooking, which to me held all kinds of booby traps!!! Since my mother never excelled in sewing, I was on my own. I remember wanting clothes so badly in 10th grade that I bought my own patterns and fabric and made my own 'baby-doll' tops for school. One night I was up late trying to figure out how to put in sewn down pleats on my top. I read the instructions and re-read them until I was finally able to get it right. I will never forget the feeling of accomplishment that experience gave me. I had actually figured out instructions from a pattern!!! I've been sewing for 43 years now and will only stop when my fingers are too crooked and my sight is gone! Lord willing, that day is far in the future! I am currently enjoying quilting, plus sewing for grandchildren. Life is Good!!!