bearisgray

Hi, and Welcome!!

I have been sewing for years (I am now 78) and still learning about new products and techniques!

The WalMarts around here - that carry sewing supplies - are quite barren now.

I have not purchased much "new" fabric for the past five to ten years - so I am behind the times as to what is available now.
I learned as I went - there are some things in my stash I still love (purchased at Walmart - and other places that were considered chain stores) - and some pieces I bought at a quilt shop that are in the "What was I thinking?" category.

As far as acquiring a stash - there are pluses and minuses to having - or not having one.

In hindsight, I would have spent much less money if I would have purchased "strictly for the project" - even at full price.
There would also not be the storage issue - - -

But acquiring was half the fun - so - - - -

Make sure that the bobbins you buy will work/fit in/on your machine. They come in slightly different styles and sizes.

Read the manual/instruction book that comes with your machine and play with it. If you lack fabric for practicing, maybe you have a bed sheet that is worn out - you can cut up - or a garment that you are willing to sacrifice.

I have a huge supply of Coats and/or Coats & Clark Dual Duty thread - which some people say their machines don't like - my
newest machine is from the mid 1980s - and it seems to work fine in all my machines. Others prefer other brands.

I recommend starting with something simple at first - as my Mom used to say -"Nothing succeeds like success."

You will find conflicting advice in the books you read and what you will read here.

One example - to wash to not wash fabric before cutting it. There are those of us that feel that is an absolutely critical step - and others that think it is an absolute waste of time, water, detergent, and electricity.

If you read what people take to a retreat - that would probably be a good starting point for acquiring "sewing stuff".

I think one is better off with a few good quality tools than a batch of so-so ones.