I crocheted some when I was around 12 but my mom and grandma always sewed My mom never used a pattern so I learned how to sew that way. O was making button holes by hand before I was a teenager, I now love to cross stitch also. Embroidery, qult and sew for my grandkids. When my children were small I even sewed for the boys and I made pants and shirts for the guys. I used to make matching dresses and coats for the girls for holidays. Wow that was a long time ago.I do think you have to have a passion for it. Why do I sew ? Because I can.