Chris ~ Which LQS did you go to? Mission Rose, Patchwork Plus, or Calico Gals? Was it the Clockworks quilt? BTW, When it comes to learning garment sewing, there is a gal called Nina who teaches at Calico Gals and she is very good at garment, utility sewing. Upholstery, too.
I like to attend classes to learn new things, as Im a visual hands-on learner. But I sew & quilt better in solitary mode. I work at a slower pace than most, so the group thing can be frustrating for me. I kind of like to get lost in my own little world at home when I'm creating.