Always be learning.  Sewing is one of those skills that I never gave much attention to - but its too useful not to known the basics.  From sewing on a button to attaching Scout badges.

Merchant & Mills making sewing accessible.  We put together a gift set for that person you know that needs the basics to get them sewing.  The book covers all the basic techniques in a straight forward and easy to understand manner.  You've got 25 quality needles to get you started and the Emergency Repair kit contains a host of items that you'll be needing fairly quickly (Black thread bobbin, white thread bobbin, needles in glass tube, pins, safety pins (varied x 3), shirt buttons, paper tape measure and monogrammed scissors.)