Well, I am self taught also - had family members that quilted but I did not learn from them. I think the 1/4" seam is very important - but also pressing is equally important - sometimes I square up a block other times I don't just depends on what I am doing. Like I always say, There is more than one way to skin a cat" (an awful saying but gets the point across) so even if we don't do it like the experts perhaps our way works just as well or better.