Home Ec

In sixth grade I learned to use a sewing machine in a home economics class.  We had to make a few projects, and I decided I would make a set of pillows for my dad that would spell out his name: ALLEN.  By the time I got through the first two sadly misshapen letters, I realized that there was no way I was going to get through the entire name, so my dad was stuck with two pillows that say "AL."  But as a good father should, he pretended he loved them.  Thanks, dad!

Since that time, I don't believe I have ever touched a sewing machine again...until last night.  On our camping trip, I noticed that one of the seams on a sleeping bag was coming undone.  Instead of taking it to our beloved sewing lady, I decided it was high time I re-learned my home ec skills. A couple of years ago for Christmas, Graci received a sewing machine from Santa.  I asked if she would train me on how to use it.  She was generous enough to distill her knowledge upon me and I was ready to go. I practiced on a couple of small stuff bags first.  Then I took on the sleeping bag.  When I was finished, I was acutely aware of the similarities in stitching patterns between my newest project and my dad's pillows from sixth grade.  It's a good thing I do not make my living as a tailor!

It won't come undone, and who's going to look at the bottom of a sleeping bag?