I learned to sew when I was 12. Since then I sewed everything I could. Now, my children are grown and gone and I sew for my grandchildren. I started quilting in 2000 and taught myself. I have taken lots of classes and I really think it is well worth it if you can find some. You learn a lot. I love quilting and I am not a pro by any means but I am still learning and I think it is time well spent in front of the sewing machine!