I am an IT professional by trade and a sewer by passion. In the past few years I managed to wear out a sewing machine every year! Just before my birthday my hubby walked into a sewing center and said “I want to buy a sewing machine that will last more than a year and can sew through anything!” I think he nearly died over the sticker shock but he followed through and got me a beautiful machine. I don’t think I’ll wear this one out for a while but I’m sure going to give it a go! I sew at least 3 times a week. With 7 children, 3 grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews I will never run out of people to sew for. Once and a while I even make a few things for myself! My grandmother taught me how to sew. She sewed because of necessity. The daughter of a farmer and one of 12 all the clothes were hand made and handed down. Adjustments for the receiver were sometimes a full remake. Many garments were made from the materials from another. Grandma’s sewing machine originally had a foot treadle but was converted to an “electric” by my grandfather who shortened the belt and added a small electric motor. It would sew through anything, ummm, including fingers. OUCH! My mother continued the tradition of sewing clothing and even won at the state fair sewing competition. Mom still sews and the children look forward to the gifts which often include personalized towels, pillow cases, and stuffed toys. With so many siblings personalization means a lot to them. I began to sew because my grandmother and mother assumed learning how was compulsory. I now sew because I am simply appalled at the cost of quality clothing and the lack of a good fit. I am fortunate to have a near by shop that sells end bolts of fabric at 2$ a yard. These include fabrics from well know designers and I have scored fabulous items such as imported Italian wools, silks, Gortex and many other premium materials. The costs of my suits has gone from a staggering 200$ to 500$ off the rack to about 20$. – 40$. Between 2$ a yard materials and free patterns who can go wrong! With so many people to sew for, I get to try all sorts of sizes and styles. Each child has a unique style and size, ranging from very thin to weight challenged. The outgrown clothing can be handed down unlike purchased garments that fall apart or loose shape. Best of all, they have wonderfully creative ideas that are fun to incorporate into what could be a dull garment. A small piece of ribbon, fancy buttons, or a unique fabric inspires fantastic ideas and at the low cost, a few failures here and there are turned into pillows, pieces for quilts, braided rugs, or other recycled uses. Recently, I’ve begun to teach others how to create their own garments. Everyone at work would constantly ask me to show them how to alter, hem, or mend. Finally caving to the demands I set one night a week aside for anyone who wishes to come over for instruction. I always point them to this website and my favorite fabric store.