I am a beginner, tho prolific quilter. I never go to classes, don't buy patterns, enjoy finishing old quilt squares and triangles I find and other pre-cut pieces. When there is no more of one kind of fabric, that is as much as will go in the quilt. Thanks to a ridiculous recycling store nearby, I have enough fabric to last 2 lifetimes, but will buy LQS goods if I feel the urge.
I tear out patterns out of quilting mags and have a "book" for inspiration. Or, the inspiration is a quilting library book. I say I am a beginner because I primarily work with squares.
I love scrap bags, other people's castoffs. I have made fabulous scrap quilts (utilitarian) and even made a king size quilt solely out of 2 inch squares......yes, that is alot of squares.
I feel restricted by recipe patterns for quilts. I go to my local quilt guild to be educated on quilting, as I am self-taught. I enjoy my craft very much. A great thread.....