Back in the early 60's, we were required to take home ec as girls and shop for boys. We swopped for 6 weeks. I loved it. In high school the classes were electives which didn't fit in with my college prep class schedules. My mom did minor sewing and didn't teach me how except to mend. My oldest son, now 44, took a class in 8th grade that taught home living skills such as cooking, mending, and laundry. He doesn't do hardly any of it now. My 3rd son who is 27 took a similar class still uses the skills he learned which his new wife appreciates. I made a small quilt with my 13 year old GDD but she only liked doing it for about an hour. My only daughter made a small wall hanging then lost interest. My grandmother was a very good seamstress but wasn't interested in me, only my oldest cousiin and left her her sewing machine in her will (she has never sewn).