My Mother wanted to learn to sew, so my Dad bought her a Singer machine in the early 60's. It came with lessons that she didn't want to take so I "had" to take them because if no one took the classes that would be a waste. I was eleven and by far the youngest in the class. I learned the basics and taught myself the rest. My mom never did learn--I still have that very heavy, all metal, should-have-been-in-a-cabinet, "portable".