You are absolutely right in your assessment of skills lacking. As a teacher since 1976, I find that quilters take technique classes to make a specific class, but the instructor never goes into basics. When I teach my basic class, I include "use a sharp needle (and provide one for each student) and it is threaded with #50 thread, knotted at the end that is cut.' I also talk very specifically about needles, how they differ and when to use each type, then talk about different threads. Any help I can provide, let me know. You are certainly on the right track to cover the missing areas of quilting. When there is a problem, I ask, "Show me how you do it." That's when I learn how the quilter has gone astray. One lady only measured from her cutting mat!
SandyQuilter