My desire to sew began with watching my mom sew beautiful dresses for my sister and I every Easter, Christmas and Mother's day. I really got into it when my dad, who sold sewing machines part time brought home a hand crank sewing machine that he was given in trade for a new model. I was determined to conquer this machine, carrying it up from the basement where it was stored, tugging it up step by step as it weighed as much as I did at age 7. I would excitedly unlock the wooden case and carefully wind the bobbin, put it in the shuttle and prepare to sew some wonderful garments for my Barbies. I patiently cranked with my right hand and guided the fabric with my left. On my more patient days I actually created a zig zag design on some of Barbie's fantastic outfits. Since this machine was only a straight stitch I had to turn the fabric each stitch to create a zig zag.I continued to sew and in high school sewing I had a fantasic teacher who really inspired all of her students. We were each required to sew our graduation dresses from our measurements. My creation won Best of Show in a Sewing and Crafts competition. I also took home the $200.00 first prize which almost covered the cost of the fabric,lace,beads and buckram(used to create a self standing bodice).I attended an Apparel Design and Developement program and that was the beginning of my career as a sewing instructor- to numerous adults and children throughout the last 20 years. I love to see people proudly wearing and showing off what they have created with their own hands and imaginations!