I recently got my great aunt Emma's sewing machine out of the attic, and had it repaired at our local sewing shop. We thought it was broken but it only needed a new needle. The repairman said it was a really well made machine - made better than they seem to be now. So, I took it to get sewing lessons.

Mom and I didn't know much about the machine, so we got taught things like how to wind the bobbin.

I had some scraps to sew, so I made a hounds' tooth pin cushion.

My first big project was making this dress. I took an old tee shirt, and then dressed it up some by gathering fabric like a skirt, to make a t-shirt dress.