o, don't wait until you get 'good' - just hop right in. like i've posted before - wool is the best way to go for ease of handling. i don't remember the name but i did buy a book for 'Country Baltimore' which i haven't even started b/c i have to finish the West of Baltimore first. but i plan on using wool for that 'country' baltimore if i EVER get West finished. my only problem is i have no local quilt shops and i have to drive 100 miles round trip to get to a joanns for background/backing material or order online. i wasn't experienced when i started appliqueing - just foolish enought to think 'i can do it' even if it's not perfect. i still have fun working on my projects. and besides - it looks beautiful to my friends who don't even know how to hold a needle. lol