The first thing was the tube quilting, glue basting, and just all around "no fabric police allowed" has given me the freedom to make things to my liking and not be worried if I break an instruction rule or not. Best thing, is when I am in a slump there is a string I have bookmarked that answers the problem or a quick post and I have help. Before I spent so much time buying fabric and projects that when I hit a problem I just UFO'ed them and went on hoping that the thing would fix itself. I too am a self taught quilter and the lessons have been invaluable.