I learned to sew in Home Ec my first year in high school, which was grade 9, in 1958. We had a superb teacher. My mother was an excellent seamstress, and she helped me a lot too. By the time I was a sophomore I was making all my own clothes. I never had a "stash" because I sewed up every piece of fabric I could get my hands on. Have made many, many clothing items for myself, my sisters, nieces, then my own children and grandchildren, in addition to sewing for the public through the years. I love to sew.