Military Life and Sewing: My Journey Through Five Home Economics Classes

In a heartfelt reflection on the resilience and adaptability required of military families, one woman’s journey through the constant upheaval of military moves is chronicled through her experiences in home economics classes.

This narrative, originally published on The War Horse, sheds light on how she used her sewing skills to navigate the challenges of frequent relocations, ultimately turning a mandatory school subject into a life-changing skill.

This blog post delves into her story, highlighting the lessons learned and the impact of her sewing journey on her personal and professional life.

The Early Years: Sewing as a Distraction

Growing up in a military family meant constant change and adaptation.

While her father was deployed in Vietnam, the author and her family were stationed in Edmond, Oklahoma. During this time, she began her journey into home economics, a subject that was traditionally assigned to girls in her school.

Despite her initial reluctance, sewing became a welcome distraction from the anxieties of her father’s deployment.

First Steps in Home Economics

In sixth grade, the author was introduced to home economics, where she learned basic sewing skills.

Although she longed to take shop class, which was reserved for boys, she embraced her assignments and proudly brought home her first apron and hot pads.

These early projects provided not only a creative outlet but also a way to connect with her father through letters and recorded family tapes.

Adapting to New Environments

As the family moved from one base to another, the author found herself repeatedly enrolled in home economics classes. Each new location brought its own set of challenges and cultural adjustments, but her sewing skills remained a constant source of comfort and accomplishment.

California: A Cultural Shift

In Sunnyvale, California, the author attended Bret Harte Junior High School, where she once again faced the requirement to take home economics.

California’s casual, anti-war atmosphere was a stark contrast to her previous experiences in Oklahoma. Despite the cultural differences, she continued to excel in her sewing projects, adding an A-line skirt to her growing collection of handmade garments.

Persistence and Growth

With each move, the author encountered new challenges but remained steadfast in her determination to avoid home economics.

Her persistence often led to creative solutions and new opportunities to hone her sewing skills.

Mississippi and Florida: Continued Challenges

At Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi, and Eglin Air Force Base near Niceville, Florida, the author once again found herself enrolled in home economics classes.

Despite her best efforts to avoid the subject, she continued to expand her sewing repertoire, creating her first dress and pair of slacks.

These experiences taught her the value of resilience and the importance of adapting to new circumstances.

A Turning Point: The Sewing Machine Sweepstakes

A pivotal moment in the author’s sewing journey came when she entered a national sweepstakes for a car company.

While she initially hoped to win a sewing machine, she ended up winning a trip to Mexico and a thousand dollars in spending money. Although she couldn’t take the trip herself, her parents allowed her to use part of the prize money to purchase a high-quality sewing machine, with the help of a family friend who was a home economics teacher.

The Bernina Sewing Machine

With the guidance of her family friend, the author acquired a Bernina sewing machine, a top-of-the-line model that significantly enhanced her sewing capabilities.

This investment in her craft marked a turning point, allowing her to create more complex and professional-quality garments.

From High School to Career: Sewing as a Lifelong Skill

As the family moved to Colorado, the author continued to develop her sewing skills, using her Bernina machine to create formal gowns and other custom garments.

These skills eventually helped her pay for college and paved the way for a successful career.

College and Career Success

After her father’s illness forced her to drop out of the University of Colorado, the author turned to sewing to support herself.

By making dresses and interview suits for fellow students and community members, she earned enough money to return to school and complete her degree in electrical engineering and computer science.

Her sewing skills even played a role in landing her first job at Hewlett-Packard, where she wore a handmade three-piece wool suit to the interview.

Lessons Learned: Change, Adapt, Repeat

The author’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and adaptability.

Through her experiences in home economics, she learned valuable life skills. These skills helped her navigate the challenges of military life and achieve personal and professional success.

Her journey serves as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges. It demonstrates that with determination and creativity, it is possible to turn even the most difficult circumstances into opportunities for growth and achievement.

To read the full story, visit Sewing Under Duress: Dad’s Military Moves Forced Me to Serve Five Tours of Home Economics.