NPR has been running a variety of Independence Day related stories all day. This morning they featured a Story Corp interview with Bob Heft, the designer of the US flag we fly today. Apparently, Bob had never sewn before starting this high school history project -and he hasn’t sewn again since. His teacher wasn’t impressed and graded him a B- because he put 50 stars on it at a time when there were only 48 states.

“I was upset,” Heft says. “The teacher said, ‘If you don’t like the grade, get it accepted in Washington then come back and see me. I might consider changing the grade.’ ”

And Heft did go to Washington; his design was approved on July 4, 1960 by which time there were 50 states. His teacher said if it was good enough for the country, it was worth changing his grade to an A.

As ever, it’s the archives entry for the week. Have a great holiday!

June 26 through July 2, 2005
Home again
This changes everything
The myth of vanity sizing
Rohr’s Pattern Drafting Books
Tivi
Fit and sizing entropy

June 26 through July 2, 2006
Camping pt.2
Sales rep training
3Free
700 lb Gorilla
How much can you make the first year?
Millicent Rogers Museum
Ingeo & Top 10 online retailers
Taos Solar Music Festival
Anybody working today?

June 26 through July 2, 2007
Pop quiz #465
Shopping carts pt.2
Liz Claiborne dies
How to find sewing contractors
Pop quiz #465 pt.2
Selfishness, secrecy and jealousy
News from you 6/29/2007
Batch, UPS and Modular (Batch pt.1)
Pop quiz #463

June 26 through July 2, 2008
Colombia bleg and misc
Pop Quiz #473
Pop Quiz #473 pt. 2
Last Laugh
Problem pattern maker pt.2