My mother insisted that I learn on a real sewing machine when i wanted to learn to sew at 8. Neither of my sisters wanted to sew, they were older and had musical talents. Also, I played with dolls and wanted to make doll clothes. One thing I remember learning was her sewing scissors were used only for sewing! You want to cut anything else, you got the kitchen scissors. She taught me to embroider, too. I used her sewing items, so when I took home-ec in high school and had to buy the "kit" it was fun having the new items for myself.