I am also self taught. I honed my skills by signing up for block swaps on several yahoo groups that I was a member of and I made my own star sampler using blocks I liked on Quilter's Cache. I learn better at my own pace and without the distraction of others so classes weren't something I was interested in. I loved Simply Quilts and watched every episode when I started with this hobby/obsession 7 years ago. Like Krista, mysteries don't interest me until I see the end result. I am also a bit of a control freak and rarely stick to directions. The Quilt Police would need a really good therapist if they ventured into my sewing room--LOL.