I started sewing at the age of 5 yrs. Feel that I had the best teacher in the world --- my mother. In fact I learned on her treadel (which I have in my posession to this day). Did take home ec in high school. Needed the cooking part instead of the sewing. I first would do as the teacher said then when I was given the go ahead to cut I would unpin & do it as I was taught. Didn't waist material that way, & was able to get something else out of what was saved & was still on grain.