grammarmom

I was nine and bored with summer when my mother handed me a pattern for a sleeveless blouse and a piece of summery yellow print fabric, and told me I could make a blouse. She left no doubt that I could do it, so I did. She guided me through the layout, cutout, and marking. Then she showed me how to make her 1930-something Singer sing and I was off---until I got to the collar. She had to guide me there, but I did it myself. I wore the blouse proudly. I then sewed a blouse and pleated skirt with straps that crossed in the back. I made it for a size two doll that my grandparents had given to me. I carried her everywhere, proudly showing off my handiwork. By fifth grade I was making my own clothes regularly. Mother found 4-yard designer mill ends for $2.00 at the weekly auction. I made my own designer clothes all through school.Home Ec was never a problem. I often guided my friends through their projects. And later, as a home ec teacher, I NEVER allowed my students to sew their projects at home. I knew some of them could do it. I also knew SOME moms and grandmothers wouldn't be able to resist "helping." I didn't want the uncertainty. My students wore their projects proudly.