I, too, started handsewing before machine sewing. I embroidered, did needlepoint, knitted, made doll clothes. When I was in jr high school Mother bought fabric for my clothes, but she had no free time to sew. Mother had a Singer with a knee bar control. I was too gawky to have a smooth start/stop experience. So I took my project to my Gran's house. She had a treadle machine that I loved to work on. I made all of my clothes in high school, college and early adulthood.
Now I make wearable art as handbags and evening wear. I love to handle fabric, play with colors, use my sewing machine, embellish fabric surfaces. I am thankful for the gifts and talents I was given.