Im still a beginner as I am not a perfectionist. I just dont have the patience required to do a really good job.
I found that by watching the videos at websites is the best way to learn.
Even if you only pay for one year of QNNTV it is worth it to have video on demand. And it is only about 24 dollars a year. I have learned more than the experts in my little group of quilters and I share what I learn with them. They are still much better quilters than me, but they sure like the new easier methods that I find out about.
There is a free site for videos but it is not full screen like QNNTV
It is Quilters TV. Watch all of Eleanor Burns, Quilt in a Day, as she is by far the best teacher for detail.
I have never taken a class at a shop, its just to expensive.
Good luck and have fun.