Okay first I started on my own then I wanted to learn something new so I took a class. What I learned from classes is not all teachers are equal. Some teachers are generous then others who don't cover enough to complete a project. I find quilt shop owners make the best teachers as they see a happy student as a good customer. They normally give more than less. What I have learned classes are the short cut to learning new or different techniques. Taking a class saves me time and money. I need both now.