I'm so happy with my Brother machine, as it has given birth to many more pretties beyond its first born.
I've been conscientiously teaching myself different sewing techniques. I examine my current pouches, bags, toilet-roll holders, clothes etc, to see how they have been sewn. I trawl the internet to read up tutorials, view patterns, get specific tips from experience sewers, and watch video-clips to see for myself how certain techniques are done.
It is almost like I've enrolled myself into a part-time course, with lots of self-study and practicals thrown in. I devour sewing information with rigour and enjoyment, and happily deprive myself of sleep to sew up new things that I've committed to memory.
Just like in any field, there are so many technical terms and descriptions that are unique to it. I've learnt what bobbins are, what interfacing is for, about the zipper foot, sergers etc etc.
I'm learning a new skill and am enjoying every bit of it :)