I came to quilting very late in life after years of extensive garment and some household sewing. The hardest thing for me was the accuracy of the seam allowance. 1/8" makes little difference in a garment or a drapery, but a huge difference in a pieced quilt block. Then I learned that my beloved sewing machine couldn't quilt so I had to bring in a second. That was a shock as that Elna had done everything I had asked of her for many years - leather belts to silk organza.
I have managed to get over the thread matching phobia, though I still like dark/light variances.
If I've washed and ironed a fabric, it's more important that it's cut straight than it's on grain, but I can usually manage both.
Apparel sewing? I've had a robe cut out for 6 or 7 years. How long have I been quilting? Seven years this month. I am one who can purchase a pattern, make one minor adjustment and know it will fit. At least seven years ago, I could.