While my mother refused to teach me to cook, (nor did she allow me in the kitchen while she cooked...my poor husband...our first few years were more homemade disaster than homemade dinners!!!!) she was a very patient teacher of sewing...and sat me at the machine when I was 8. My first project was pin cushion. Then simple shorts and skirts. Eventually, she showed me how to make blouses (complete with buttonholes) and dresses with zippers. I have a very clear memory of cutting out a pair of plaid pants one evening, only to discover that you have to match the plaids BEFORE you cut!!!!
Oh my..such good memories of the woman who was my mother...sadly that happy, patient person disappeared years ago in a sea of bitterness.....I miss the "old" mom....