My momma taught me. I played underneath her treadle machine, and then eventualy a very expensive (for the time) Singer machine with a cabinet, zig zag and embroidery stitches. I learned very easily and the only time I got frustrated was when I was learning how to put in zippers in my clothers. LOL!
I have (and still use) a very cheap Brother that is a workhorse, and is still one of my favorites. I also have a featherweight (just for display) and a tiny "toy" machine (also for display) as well as an old Treadle machine (Singer) that I also display.
I never learned to quilt....just sewed my clothes. I made very basic big patch quilts when I began teaching and wanted a memento for each class.
I have learned everything as I go. It was just a few years ago that I actually began to learn the process of quilting, and I love it!