First impression of TailwindCSS. How much CSS should I know?

After a 6 month Dive into CSS/SCSS, Tailwind is a godsend.

Back when i started with CSS, I made a goal not to move on to anything else until I had a well-rounded understanding of how it really works. I spent time learning complex selectors, flexbox, box-model, animations, units, containers, etc. Had I not made the investment, I don't think i could use or appreciate Tailwind this much on first impression.

After learning how to style and make individual sections responsive I (foolishly) began building my first portfolio project with CSS. Architecture, and the need to build so many custom classes was such a time drain.

Luckily a buddy of mine told me that i could probably get a grasp on tailwind, implement it, and build my project more quickly than continuing with just pure css. Immediately, I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to build on my CSS knowledge while using it. My worries were put to rest this evening when I saw that I was still able to create and integrate my own css along side their massive library. I've only spent a few days with it, but it's like there are new conveniences around each corner. It's like spring time after a long winter.

I wouldn't recommend starting tailwind unless you have a solid grasp on CSS.
As you will most likely hit unneccessary stumbling blocks.
On a side note I truly wonder how many people take the time to understand css early, and if it was the best use of my time. I guess time will tell. I'm just alarmed at how often i hear mention of people only spending a week, or month with CSS, and declare that they have "Learned it". I can't say I blame them. I could have 5 months of JS under my belt by now. On that same token, taking that time taught me how to be a better learner. I'm hoping it all pans out when the JS headaches begin...