I am most thankful that my mother had the patience to "rip out my mistakes" so that I didn't get discouraged and stop trying to learn to sew. I've been sewing for 35 years and have learned much from my mother. She taught herself to tailor my father's suits. He was 6'8" during a time when clothes for tall men weren't readily available. I still fit and sew tailored clothes for myself and my family members. My pleasure iincreases exponentially every time I complete a project. I only wish that my nieces will show an interest one day and allow me to help them learn a dying art.