With five children, my parents utilized every inch of space in our home. The dark green shelving unit Dad built divided the room we equally referred to as our sewing room and study. Mom was an exceptional seamstress and made literally everything I wore until I was in high school. Even then she sewed my drill team outfits and long dresses for dances. She made my wedding dress! In the '60s and '70s, there were many fabric stores. At the beginning of the school year, our annual outing was selecting fabrics and patterns for our wardrobes.

Dad was a university professor and author. Aside from the hum of the sewing machine, his half of the room was my quiet retreat when papers were due. Often I got stuck, with little motivation to finish. I complained the assignment was too hard. I can hear Dad's lecture still: "When all else fails," he advised, "get out your butt glue and stay in that chair until your paper is written!" Ah, Dad. It was good advice, then and now!

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