I have learned more from fellow quilters and from just trying it on my own than I ever learned from a class. That is why I rarely go to one. I do believe a LQS would give you a better beginner class than a chain store. Most chain stores do not worry about return business like a LQS does. If you have a good experience at a LQS, you are much more likely to sign up for more classes and purchase fabric from them, so they work harder to make sure your experience is a good one.