A couple years ago, I bought a Singer sewing machine. I don’t use it all that often, but about once a year I bring the sewing machine out and make something simple such as napkins, table runner or pillow covers. The first napkin or so isn’t the greatest but by the third I am seeing fine.
Last summer I picked up a huge box of thread and fabric remnants at a yard sale. A couple weeks ago, I donated all that fabric and several yards I had to some neighbors to make masks. The gals have sewed all that fabric up. They are seamstresses; I am your basic sewer and darner.
Sewing is a skill. YouTube has some great basic courses, but the best is learning hands on from someone and getting feed back.
As for finding a good basic sewing machine, I would try a yard sale. Over the years, I have seen several and I have bought lots of fabric and notions at yard sales.