Started with a class at a LQS in 1999 - first time I ever quilted anything and I tackled a queen size Hole in the Barn door -there was fussy cutting; sashing, far, far too many things for a wet behind the ears newbie! That pretty much scared me off for 10 years! Then I was drawn back in but knew not to take on anything that big right out of the gate.
Have taken two classes from "national" instructors - Cindy Needham (Beginning Machine Quilting), Charlotte Angotti (Let Me Surprise You), and Pat Ferguson (Zentangles)
Also -- Quilted jacket from a sweatshirt; four way placemats; LQS intro to FMQ; Radiant Star (QIAD)