I have really enjoyed reading this thread this am. Wonderful stories. My Mother and Granny taught me how to sew. When I was in the 5th grade I got a beautiful treadle machine for Christmas. I was makng my own pajama's ; doll clothes, simple slacks and tops. Took home ec 6 yrs in Jr. high and Sr. High. I loved it. Had good teachers and I was ahead of many of the other girls and didn't have to wait for the teacher to help me. That pretty treadle was loaned to a cousin when i was a couple of years older and had rec'd my 2nd.treadle and we went to visit my cousin one day and i asked her where the machine was and she said her dad had gotten tired of it being around and had taken it to the Salvation Army store. I was not happy. I still have my 2nd treadle. Yesterday my granddaughter and I made cute little makeup bags. She learned to put in a zipper and line the bag. It was a good pattern and we had a good time. I told her I hoped she liked to sew because when I am gone she may be the one to inherit my stuff! Through the years I have done lots of clothing construction - making clothing for my tall husband, and my daughters when they were younger. Got into quilting in the last 10-15 years. Love sewing.