I started sewing not in Home Ec, which started at Grade 9 in my area (unless you lived in the city, then you started at Grade 7!), but in 4H. At age 12, I made my first sewing project, a plain dress with darts, a zipper, facings and short sleeves. My mother hated to sew and did it only out of necessity and refused to show me anything to do with sewing.
So I learnt at 4H and loved it! Been sewing for 50 years now....
At the time, 4H did a sewing session followed by a cooking session, each offered once a year. I didn't particularly like the cooking ones, but it was time out and learning, so I went. (And I think my mom was glad to have someone else do the teaching...).
I still don't particularly like cooking.... but one has to eat!