In a recent newsletter we asked you how you learned to sew.  We accepted narrative answers and loved reading them.  In general most of us learned from our moms, grandmothers, other relatives.  Additionally so many of us learned in Home Economics classes and 4-H.  There were so many fun answers that when saved to a Word or PDF file, took up 77 pages.  Here are pages 1-3 of the answers.  Enjoy!

When I was a girl I spent a lot of time embroidering pillowcases for my mom. I recently made a pillowcase dress for my granddaughter out of 2 matching pillowcases I made about 45 years ago. Thank you, Mom.

When I was 9 years old my Mother and I spent one of many summers in Marysville, Ca. With her sister, My Aunt Malia, and I made my first nightgown. They were so patient and kind it made learning to sew a joy. My Mother and my Aunt have been gone for many years but the memories I have of that summer remain vivid in my heart.

When I was 7 or 8, my mom gave me a felt kit (wizard of Oz).I still have the ornaments!When I was in junior high I learned to sew on a sewing machine and from then on I was hooked (quilting, I made clothes, Christmas stockings, felt projects etc.)

When I was 14,my father sent me to a woman down the street to learn to sew, during my summer vacation. It took me all summer to make a blouse and shirt.

When I was 10 years old my dad enrolled me in a dress making class at our local Singer Sewing store.

When I was 10 my mother(who sewed for all of us) sent me to a class at our local sewing shop. She was pregnant and it was difficult so she had to find a way to keep us busy. It was one of the best things she did for me because when I got older we started quilting together. One of my best memories.Kathy

When I turned ten I wanted to learn to sew, so my mother bought me a pattern and material and I taught myself by reading the directions. After finishing my first project I went on to my second and just kept sewing, then got interested in the other sewing crafts and quilting. I always have something I am working on.

When I retired I took quilt classes so that I could understand what my sisters enjoyed about it.Of course, I was hooked.

When I spent time at my grandmothers we sewed using feed sacks on her Singer treadle machine. I have that treadle machine & pieces of feed sacks plus some of her quilts made with feed sacks.

When I married, I thought I would have to learn to sew to repair anything needed by my husband and future children.So, I took an evening class at the local high school.My mom bought me a used singer for a dollar.After I had children, a friend taught me to quilt.

When I learned to sew at age 10, I felt I had arrived at what my life was all about.

When I had my first baby, I took an adult school class at the local community center in the evening to learn to quilt - and keep my sanity! We learned hand piecing, hand quilting, Dresden Plate and Cathedral Window. The baby is now 38 and I'm still learning!

What a big sister.Not only did she teach me, she took on several of my friends in 4H.I owe my passion to her.Thanks, sis.

Well my teacher in home economics didn't like the way I did things, and she made me do it her way. Guess it was a good thing. Have been quilting now about 27 years. I have a long arm quilter and I am 90 years old.

We were poor and had to learn how to sew allowing my sister and I to have school clothes. I found out I really liked it and have continued to sew. We made a white blouse in junior high home ec. We have continued to sew and quilt and now will appliqué together 50 years later. It is a wonderful experience to have with your mother and my sister when she can travel here to be with us. Now our daughters are joining in to make a 3rd generation experience.

We had to make a fully-lined suit for a grade. It was a real learning experience. I received an 'A'. :)

We had to drag the heavy sewing machine out of the linen closet, set it up on the kitchen table of our crowded kitchen along with an ironing board.We would sew dust ruffles for my bed, curtains for windows, and doll clothes.Later I made some of my clothes (shifts were in and easy) along with my wedding dress later.My mother did not like to sew in zippers, and I did not like to do darts.We would do each other's disliked task. Of course, everything had to be put away before dinner to use the kitchen table.What fun though!

We had an old treadle sewing machine at our cabin in Minnesota. The first thing I remember making was a dress for my troll dolls.

We had an old Singer machine -- dependable as a rock! It only sewed forwards; didn't even have a reverse...

We had a sewing project in school each year. At first, they were simple embroidery projects. Eventually, we made a dress.

I also learned from my grandmother.

We didn't have much money to shop in stores, so my mom would sew a lot of my clothes. It was fun picking out patterns and material. I also took sewing classes in school.When I married my Mother-in-law sewed also. We had a good time sewing!!! I loved those days. I still sew and quilt today!!!