I notice that most posters learned either at school or from a mother or other relative. I learned at school, too. Started on a treadle machine and eventually made a blouse and shorts in grade 9. However, my very first project was a pin cushion made from flannelette scraps from a nightgown and I used that pin cushion for years and years and still have it.

I didn't sew anything more except for mending until I had finished university and had started to work. I'm really don't know why but I just got the urge to try. So I bought myself a machine and set out to build on what I had already learned at school. I never took any courses - I just followed the pattern instructions which I had no particular problem interpreting, plus some magazine articles and a book or two. I have made just about all my clothes since then, except for coats. At 77, I'm still doing it because I have scoliosis which has gotten much worse as I aged and store bought clothes just don't fit. Luckily my eyesight is excellent. My aim is to build up a stock of every day clothes that will keep me going even when I can no longer sew.

Btw, I am still using my Elna Zigzag Special from 1967 and I also have an Elna Supermatic (which uses cams) which I bought used.