Ah! What you need is a MDB in your household, Susie...as in My Dearly Beloved or the other half. ROF... Mine is an ex-Marine and apparently learned to sew buttons on in the service.
All other sewing goes to a tailor...costs an arm and a leg for just a small rip. I have to have most jeans/pants/slacks shortened (I'm 5'2") ...it costs from $8 to $12 for one pair to be hemmed!