Welcome from Ohio. When I learned to quilt in a class at the lqs it was hand piecing and quilting, with an intro to machine piecing by doing log cabin block with strip piecing. I lived in S. Dakota for 9 months when my dh was working there. I must confess I was glad it was only one winter.
My sister makes and collects miniatures. I'd love to see your miniature lqs, can you post a picture?