Where should I start?

Hi everyone,
I’m a casual crafter, but I definitely don’t sew.
My mom recently gave me a sewing machine for my birthday. So here’s my question: where should I start? What beginner sewing patterns should I try?
The machine is a Singer 8280 (EDIT MOD: external link removed)

Start with a simple cushion cover with an envelope closure—you can find out how to sew that on YouTube. It’s not rocket science. Then maybe try some placemats, and gradually work your way up in terms of difficulty. Don’t be afraid—we all started small.

Kind regards, Inge

I once took a beginner’s course. There we were given paper with curved and straight lines, zigzag lines, circles and squares drawn on it. We were supposed to sew along them without thread.
I thought that was very good.
My first project was also a cushion cover with an envelope closure.

Have fun
Petra

Just like Petra explains, that’s how I always started with my sewing students: on paper, but using thread.
And next, they sewed small items like doll bedding with an envelope closure. It’s quick and practically guarantees success.

And: just try, try, try