I am self taught. I decided about 11 years ago, I wanted to learn. My friend knew how to sew, and we got some free patterns fromt the internet and started.
We both had Brother sewing machines, CHEAP ones, that would constantl give us fits! LOL But, we figured it out. Oh, trust me, the first few things we did were awful! But, with practice we got better.
I live an hour away from the nearest quilt shops that give lessons. I have checked them out, but, honestly, I am doing ok on my own. I still would love to learn things, but you can watch youtube videos and that helps alot.
I am sorry you had such a bad expierence. I am sure not all classes are like that. As far as a fancy machine, what good is it if you don't know how to use it? I would rather have a machine I know how to use than one that "looks" good and is "better" than others. Boy, those ladies yapping about the money the spent would make me mad! LOL