I started out sewing just clothes - I remember telling my sister, who is into quilting but doesn't have the time anymore, that sewing quilts just didn't interest me. Now I quilt more than I sew clothing, but I still like to sew myself and my kids clothes from time to time.
www.patternreview.com has reviews of patterns, sewing machine, etc. by users of the site as well as some very helpful forums.