What a great list of suggestions so far. But I agree with those who mention the need for accurate cutting and piecing. Everything else is sort of wasted if you can't do those two things well enough to make a block with multiple pieces. I learned to sew many years ago but only started quilting about 3 years ago. I've spent lots of time at this new hobby (obsession) since I retired and my skills have improved dramatically, but only through reading and lots of practice. Still, the challenge of accurate sewing and piecing is ongoing for me. Wish I could have taken the course Holice is proposing!
I also share jacquie's thoughts about focusing on the process more than the result. Not just to have a nice finished project, but also for the sheer joy of handling fabrics, putting them together, watching the quilt grow seam by seam. There is such a "Zen" to the process that many newer quilters miss out on.