I don't think here in MA that everyone has to take sewing/cooking (the boys got woodshop in my day) at all! Today's kids are being cheated in my opinion. I remember it was a lot of work to learn everything for sewing but here I am at 63 enjoying looking back at all the FUN I've had over the years with a needle and thread and later a machine (which a woman at work was nice enough to give me) after she saw that I had sewed a party dress of brocade all by hand.Loved wearing that! I am teaching my Great Niece to use my new Janome. She is a natural I tell her. The machine lets me set the speed to her liking and it really helps. How about a thread on WHO taught you and Who are YOU teaching. Sharon