Home Economics and Life Lessons

Her name was Mrs. Dodd. If you knew her, you loved her. (Or maybe you didn't. You know who you are. ) She used to say "I'm not here to win a popularity contest." And yet, she was so loved. She was my high school Home Economics teacher.

She taught sewing basics... like how to thread a needle, when to use a thimble, how to sew on buttons, why we should follow pattern instructions, when to rip out seams and start over if necessary, the importance of clipping loose threads, to finish what you started, and to always wear your completed project with pride.

She was quick to deduct points if you were caught sewing without a thimble, if seams did not match up, if you neglected to trim loose threads, or if you left your space a mess. She showed no mercy and we learned quickly.

She also taught basic food preparation, cooking techniques, place setting etiquette, and what to do in case of a kitchen fire (which may or may not happened on a particular lab day ). And we spent at least a week on the art of folding cloth napkins. (Not extremely practical but you never know when a dinner event will call for a rosebud pattern napkin fold. )

She was a teacher of all things Home Economics but more importantly, she was a teacher of life.

Sometimes life gets messy. Put on that thimble for protection and push through the hard. Reattach what comes apart. Don't be afraid to rip a seam out and start over. Always refer to pattern instructions when you get stuck. Pull out the fancy napkins once in a while. Clean up your mess and leave your space better than when you found it. Be quick to put out any fires that you start or that are started by someone else.

​And always wear your finished project with pride.
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