Sewing machines are my monster in the dark. I fear the complexity of a beast that, until now, was a mystery to me.

Today, I attended the first session of the Beginners' Sewing Class at the Arts Centre. Much of the two hours was spent discussing something in which have no intention of becoming involved - making garments using paper patterns. In the final 25 minutes, however, the Tutor threaded my machine and I started to get to know how to control the stitch tension and pattern.

I'm pleased with the progress I made today.