Welcome . . . from Michigan as well! I am also a new quilter, and loving every minute. I am devouring everything I can get my hands on regarding this subject. I spent the summer months attending quilt shows (the Greater Ann Arbor Quilt Guild - 250 quilts), Dearborn, Farmington, and Detroit.
What can I say? PURE TALENT is out there, and I hope to be in that number one day!