My Mom, God bless her, could not sew a button on. But I had an Aunt who was a magnificent seamstress, and once I saw her sitting at her machine, I SO wanted to learn too. My folks, who could ill afford it with seven kids, somehow stretched the budget and bought me a little Singer sewing machine and lessons at the local Singer sewing center for Christmas when I was about 11. I've been sewing, and loving it, ever since. I didn't get into quilting until about 5 years ago. And in regards to the "spangle" mentioned above. My Mom had one of those, and I also loved sitting with her and watching her iron. My Dad was an Air Force pilot, and she would iron his flight suits - replete with about 21 zippers - to perfection!!! Wow, I sure miss my Mom.