I love that you are smart enough to have quilt goals. I didn't when I first started quilting and it took me a few years before I realized how important they are. If you can, definitely take a class or two. Besides learning quilting you will make some amazing friends. Quilters are the nicest people. :!: Do you get HGTV or PBS on your tv? If so, there are some good quilt shows that will really help you get headed in the direction you want to go. Also, any local quilt guilds or bees can be helpful. And you already know about this wonderful place. I hope to see you around and look forward to seeing pictures from your first pieced quilt. ;)
~Tiffany