Welcome from NE North Carolina. Wish you lived closer so I could help you! I am just a "covers" quilter but the most fun I ever had quilting was teaching someone who wanted to learn. That said, it isn't hard to get help starting on your own and this board is a fabulous resource. I'd also recommend Bonnie Hunter's website www.quiltville.com. She's unpretentious and has lots of great ideas and free patterns!