Facing an irrational fear

I have a fear of needles. Yes, the dr. office needles...but also sewing machine needles. When I was in 9th grade home economics class, we had to make toilet seat covers. (gag I know) They were hideous and red. Who puts those over their toilets?? Old people! They were supposed to be a gift for our parents. I hope Austin never brings one of this stupid things home...but I digress. I was using the sewing machine...Happily I moved the sewing needle through my nasty little toilet seat cover and then it happened. I RAN THE NEEDLE THROUGH THE TIP OF MY FINGER. In a moment of shock, I started to pull my finger... the needle was stuck and it was gushing blood all over my toilet seat cover. (probably the best thing that happened to my parents that year, they didn't get a horrible toilet seat cover under the christmas tree) I couldn't figure out how to get it out. I wasn't aware that all I had to do was turn the wheel thing and it would come out. I kept pulling and pulling...making the wound even worse. Once I was freed from the machine, I ran to the nurse screaming and the rest is history. It was terrible.

Since then, I have had an aversion to sewing machine needles. My great grandmother had a sewing machine...it's about 200 years old and it's an antique. My mom brought it up the last time she was here. It's been sitting up in our spare bedroom collecting dust. This thing is so cool. My grandmother still has all her old notions and lace and things like that in the drawers. I have decided I am going to to start sewing. I have no idea how to sew..but luckily the sewing manual is in the drawers too.  I'm not sure what I am going to make or what I want to do with it, but I am going to sew. I have delusions of using the machine and being able to sew something spectacular on the first go... in reality, I am probably going to go through tons of awkward sweaters and strange pieces of fabric all clustered together before I actually get good at sewing, but it's about time to crack down and face my fears of sewing machines. 

It's going to be a work in progress.