My mother tried to teach me, school tried to teach me (when the teacher wasn't holding up my efforts for the class to laugh at). I had to make an apron for the cookery class, then a dress. Total disaster, lots of tears and I had nothing more to do with sewing for the next 40 years or so. Mum had bought me a sewing box for my 7th birthday - I still have it and until recently I swear some of the original contents were still in it! The change came at the grand old age of 49 when a dear friend challenged my "I'm useless at sewing" and very patiently helped me overcome my fear (for fear it was by then) and inhibitions and taught me how to quilt. Every time I finish one, I'm still astonished that I've produced it!