My Mom didn't sew, but my Grandma did. Grandma always made my sister and I indentical dresses and PJ's [oh how we loved those PJ's!], hers always blue, and mine always pink. Gawd I hated pink! One day I was at her house, and asked what she was gonna make for us next, and she showed me the pattern and fabric, and I begged her to promise me that I'd get blue this time. I loved her dresses, but I never wore them because they were pink. [I tried this later with the hair cutting Aunt - also to no avail]. She promised I'd get blue this time.
I was Sooo betrayed!
Anyway, when I was in 2nd grade, I found some red print cotton fabric, and wrapped it around myself, discovered it "fit" and was determined to make my own dress. I think I asked my Mom for a needle and thread, and she, no havin confidence in my ability, sent me across the street to a lady who sewed to ask her for help. She also not having confindence in me, sewed it for me.
After that I learned to just sew stuff I wanted without telling anyone was I was gonna do.
So I guess I've been sewing, and making my own patterns for about 40 years myself. Not one single thing in pink, either!