Both my grandmothers sewed. One did alterations at a large department store in Pittsburg, PA. My dad grew up in North Braddock, a suburb of Pittsburg.
My mother's mother had an industrial machine in the basement and did upholstry. I never saw the machine, but my mom said she fooled with it one time and ran the needle through her finger!
My Mom taught me to sew on her Singer 66. I think my youngest sister has it in storage. I learned to make my own clothes, but didn't take up quilting until much later in life. Wish I could show you pictures, but don't have any!