Good on you Ray.

My mom taught me how to darn socks, etc. and basic hand sewing skills when I was young.

After I got married I got a good deal on a new Singer sewing maxhine. I brought the machine home and my wife told me she had no idea how to use it. I had watched my mom enough using hers as I was growng up to self teach myself the basics on how to use it. I really need to take a class.

My paternal grandfather, your typical "mans man", had an antique treadle sewing machine in his shop that he'd use for different projects. I figure if it was a skill good enough for him, it's good enough for me.

Yep, knowing how to sew is a skill both genders should know.