It was taking my sewing machine to Georgia each time I visited my son and his family (he wanted me to mend his jeans) that my granddaughter begged to try running the machine. I gave her scraps and she put together a doll's blanket for her sister. Precious if no other description can be made. The next year we picked out coordinating material and made 2 pillowcases - one for her sister and one for her. The next summer they came to NY. She found my stash, the envy of many quilters. She brought 3 different purple hues and politely asked if she could make something from it. I asked her what she would like to make and pulled out some patterns I had set aside in anticipation of having a little more equipment and sources to teach her to sew. She decided to make a shoulder bag and learned to cut with rotary cutter, use a seam ripper, and sew. She was so attentive, I explained safety and she really listened. I am looking forward to the next time we get together. She completed her shoulder bag on her 11th birthday. Her sister is 5 so I have many sewing lessons to go. I learned to sew at my Mom's elbow and learned to make garments and to mend clothing. I was 1 of 10 children and we all worked hard in the barn and fields, keeping a 75 milking dairy farm going. I made my own wedding gown and maternity clothes before I ever quilted. If I din't paint a few garages along the way, I would never have had the opportunity to pass on my mother's passion. And my husband doesn't mind if I sew and build my stash as long as his jeans are mended, the house is passable, and the bills are paid. Sheesh