I started sewing when I was 10 years old. I made doll clothes for my Barbie and Skipper. This entailed cutting fabric, folding it in half, hand sewing up side seams and cutting a hole in the neck. Not too elaborate. I also made my furniture from cardboard boxes and glued fabric on them.  

In 8th grade I took a semester of sewing class, as required. I was hooked. My parents bought me a Kenmore and let me buy loads of fabric. I made myself clothes, including bathing suits, halter tops, bell bottoms, jackets and made my brothers and dad western style shirts with yokes. Made one brother overalls (with an Owl patch on the front. He was so nice to wear them and not cringe. Made my mom dresses and jackets. I also made stuffed toys.

“I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will.”

― Charlotte Brontë,  Jane Eyre