My mother died when I was 10, in 1943. In boarding school I found that, when sewing classes were presented, I already knew how to read patterns (not printed those days--you "read" cut out holes in the paper) and selecting the flour and feed sacks in the kitchen and in the cow barn, collecting what would be needed for a dress (depending upon size and length) One of the students even made her prom dress from printed sack fabric. Thanks for the memories!!