Mother learned to sew from the NYA (National Youth Administration) in the '30s. So she was sewing before I was born in 1944. She made all my and my sisters clothes. However she didn't have patience to teach us to sew and I didn't have any interest until I was married and had a daughter of my own. My MIL helped me learn, but I'm pretty much self taught. I sewed everyday for 12 years. Then I started working outside the home and gave up my sewing for 37 years. By the time I got back into it everthing had changed. The machines were computerized, machine needles were specialized, thread was many different sizes and types. Patterns that had cost 75cents now cost $12 (until I learned about the 1.99 special sales). I tried to make my clothes for a while, but my figure had gone from being tall and thin to being matronly and I couldn't seem to make the patterns fit. Now I think I want to quilt. I'm making a crib quilt for my g-graddaughter and I find I'm getting bored with the machine decorative stitch around the large squares. So I don't know if the bug will bite or not.
I have really enjoyed reading all your submitted stories. It makes me feel like I know you better. Thanks for sharing your sewing history.