Mary, I started quilting back in the 70's and did not use rotary cutters, mats, rullers, etc until about 7-8 yrs ago. I firmly believe there are no "stupid" questions. I thought I knew alot about quilting but have learned in the year and a half I have been on here that you are never too old to learn. These folks have taught me alot. I still prefer to design as I go but use alot of quilt patterns too. I mainly look at other quilts/pictures and figure out the general idea from there for my quilts. Even the simplest of patterns turns out beautiful.....and I have seen very few quilts that I thought weren't pretty. Good luck and welcome aboard gal!!!
Sandy/Gramqlts
Arkansas