Ohhh my gosh if it's not normal then I have a major problem!! :wink: First of all welcome to the most helpful place in the world!! Trial and error are really the best teachers!! You'll get it, just keep trying. I'm not an experienced quilter...seamstress yes, quilting though not so much. I don't think I've made very many things, quilt blocks, clothes, any sewing project that I didn't have to rip out at least one ooopsy!!!! Hang in there, it really does get easier!! Just make sure to keep having fun...when it seems like a "chore" put it away for awhile and find a new muse for a minute, day, week, month. Whatever it takes then come back to it.