Wow.....my first experience was playing underneath my moms Singer treadle machine. She may still have it, as she is still with us, but I watched her use that until I was 11 and my daddy bought her a brand new Kenmore which she still owns. That was in 1970, so it is quite aged, but stillw orks.
Unfortunately she cant sew any longer. Her body doesnt function well, and she is fighting off cancer, but later on when I was 12, she let me sign up for 4 H and we started the Buttons and Bows 4 h sewing club. Learned all the basics, cuz Mom was the leader!! Funny thing though she never quilted.
I am helping to care for her. She has a stash but it has been years since she has physically been able to thread or work amachine. She also is suffering from dementia so we talk, chat and when it is a good day, talk about the memories she still has. Sewing has always contained great memories for me.