i also have a rather annoying need for food once in a while, so i can relate. LOL
i'm not old enough yet to be eligible for regular retirement from civil service. the buyout bonus for retiring early is a joke. soooooooo i'm "stuck" for a few more years. between now and then, i'm going to keep working on my skills and do a bit of market testing to see whether or not i could make a little part time living. i suspect i could sell my designs, but i so much hate paying for a pattern myself i don't know if i could force myself to charge for them. LOL
in the meantime, whenever you want a lesson, just come on down to Georgia. you'll get room, board, all the lessons you want. free of charge. ;-)