I started hand sewing when I had Barbie dolls, but made my first A-line skirt with a friend and her mom in about 6th grade. I loved Home Ec. even though I was on a college prep schedule and used my study halls for the home ec. electives. I took every one through junior high and high school. Went on to take Home Ec. as a major in college at the University of Connecticut. Taught sewing one summer for the local Singer store to girls 8-18. I hated it as they were able to pick out any pattern and I was expected to teach beginners to sew and finish their projects in 6 lessons, then have a style show. I still have my first machine that my folks bought me for Christmas when I was 16.