A good friend gave me a cutting mat and rotary cutter - had sewn since 9 but those were unfamiliar. I read books for months AND months before I had the nerve to purchase fabric and then to cut it was alostr painful. I bought EQ and designed my first quilts - gives you everything from yardage to templates to rotary instructions. My first quilt is one of my favorites - Clay's Choice blocks (Henry CLay named block at quilt expo)and now I have more fabric and plans and find it is my true passion. This board is GREAT TOO!!!!!