I consider myself a novice, newbie, beginner,... that said, I try not to rate myself either. I am a perfectionist, too much so!! My hubby sees me agonize over the tiniest flaws or mentioning 'it's not perfect.....', etc etc. I finally decided over this last year or so to do my absolute best and try to let those tiny flaws go.... it's not easy for me but I must admit I do enjoy my sewing alot more knowing it doesn't have to be absolutely~positively~impossibly perfection! :-D