Very interesting question. I actually don't remember "seeing" my mom, grandmother or aunt sew but I know they all did. My mom was big into home decor and was always doing pillows, curtains, etc. She even did a tufted headboard for her bed before it was the "in" thing. Although my mom never sewed clothes both my aunt and grandmother were very experienced seamstresses. All I know is when sewing was a required course as part of home ec growing, up I fought tooth and nail because I wanted to be in woodshop which wasn't allowed at the time.....lol.