Don't know if I'm considered a newbie!!! I made a quilt for each of my 2 children waaaaay back when...they're in their 30s. Then quit -- it was too hard for me to be patient enough to cut those pieces (had to cut out triangles with scissors then!) and to hand quilt. Last year DH bought me a new sewing machine and the only shop near me with fabric is a quilt shop. I made a tote bag and have been going at it ever since! I'm soon to get a quilting machine - longarm from a friend that has upgraded!!!!