What I learned in Grade 7 Home Ec class.

by Teresa
(Ontario, Canada)

My mom started me sewing at age 8, so by the time I was in Grade 7 and got to go to the regional Home Ec classes, I was a rather accomplished sewist for my age. The first time we were told to go buy a "Super Simple" pattern and bring it the next week, my mom and I went to the stash, picked out a pattern for a sleeveless bodice dress with a full circle skirt, and some floral fabric of enough yardage to make it and I proudly arrived ready to sew. I was knocked down a few notches by the teacher who told me that what I had brought was far too difficult, and that I needed to go buy a pattern by Simplicity, named "Super Simple" that had only 4 pattern pieces. So mom and I went to the store and sure enough there was such a thing. UGLY, they were, but yes, they were simple. So, we bought a 4 piece jumper pattern and some lilac fabric to bring to school. I also sat down and made the other dress and wore it to class the next week. I never wore that ugly lilac jumper. But the home ec teachers let me bring any pattern I wanted after that, and my projects were usually on display for all to see.
I told my mom, "Who needs home ec when I've got a mom like you!" I never did continue with Home Ec classes after grade 8. I spent my high school time on other things. But I still sew, knit, crochet, quilt, needlecraft, do woodwork, paint and decorate, garden, can and preserve, raise pets, maintain a home, maintain a vehicle, and balance my finances. So I think I survived OK without Home Economics 101.