When I was in junior high school in the metro Detroit area in the 1970s when home economics was a requirement to pass. At that time, we made grocery lists with a budget and made a final meal. Most of us had helped our parents with cooking prior so we were all familiar with the basics.
But, the one experience that made me feel like an adult in the class is when I had to sew. My Mom rarely sewed so I relied on my knowledge and logic to get my project done plus she didn’t want to get involved in case I failed. The top was a flowered top with a brown background v-neck with lace and a belt.
First, I had to cut the fabric so that pattern continued correctly so I had to find starting points and ending points that would match up. Then I had to be brave to cut the fabric to the markings that I have made which was nerve wracking.
Afterwards, I had to prep to sew my handpicked project together knowing that one wrong move could cost me on my grade. My teacher said that I should have chosen something easier but appreciated my determination to see it through. All pinned up correctly and to the max, I finally was able to sew it together which went without a hitch.
Grateful for my grade which was an, “A,” for the sewing portion of the class. I felt like an adult from start to finish knowing that I can resolve problems on my own without any adult supervision. This directly led to if I could take this project on, I knew that I could handle situations that could be solved by logic and by thinking without the emotional state of interference.
This project made me feel grown up because my parents and my teacher allowed me to make the choices on how I was going to succeed. Believe that Home Economics and Shop classes do the above of testing students to solving problems to create something beautiful and useful.
Thanks Again,
Leslie Elizabeth David.
The Magnificent Modern Mature Woman 