My Grandmother started me sewing by first sewing on buttons. She could look at a dress, cut a pattern from newspaper and duplicate the exact dress. She could take a man's suit (bought at a rummage sale) cut out a vest and skirt and viola, I had a new outfit. I also learned from my Mom and my Aunt, all accomplished seamtresses. They grew up in hard times and learned out of necessity. I used to make clothes for myself but gave that up long ago and started sewing for all the grandchildren when they were pre-teens. Now I just quilt, make repairs, make pillowcases and decorator pillows, and pot holders and placemats.