I started sewing early too. I made my skirts and tops all through jr high and high school. Started making all my kids clothes, including jeans, until they reached Jr high. I sewed for the public for a lot of years, also but I quit doing that when ladies wanted their hems 1/4" longer or shorted than original length. Too picky! Now I just make my husbands shirts because I have never found a company that makes a 15 1/2" neck with a 37"sleeve.