I became a member of FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) and was asked to compete. I made a black velvet purse for the Succesories category and I came in second place my freshman year. I had to choose a pattern and cut and sew it together to make an evening accessory. I had to pick out the embellishments and hand sew them on one by one. With that win it gave me the confidence to come back my sophomore year and make a more demanding project. This competition consisted of a more difficult garment to be made. I choose a dress that had a unique pattern to it. The materials that I choose where hard to manipulate on the sewing machine and had to be hand sewn in some places. I won third place overall and I have learned that hard work and dedication pays