I learned to make my first bargello from a book. It was fun. As has been mentioned many times, the fabric choice is the most difficult part. Small prints and marbled fabrics matching the colors of a focus fabric are the easiest way to start your color run! I usually end up with several extra fabrics which do not fit. Getting help from your LQS is better than my method of buying fabrics here and there hoping they'll match. Give it a try!