Hi from Central Texas! You'd be amazed at the sexism in this hobby, once last year I was dismayed to see a shop owner ask a guy with a pattern and a few bolts "what is your wife too lazy to come in herself?" He put them down and said, "actually I'm happily single and I like to sew." Then he left empty-handed. I don't blame him. I taught my son to sew last year, he made himself a blanket and matching pillow with minimal supervision. Welcome!!! You're among friends!