Things I learned the hard way. First, know what a pain it is to work with bias edges, I didn't know what bias was. Second, there is a difference between pressing and ironing. Third, all purpose thread works for piecing, but a fifty weight (finer) makes it easier to press. Fourth, starch is your friend. Fifth, cutting with a rotorary cutter takes practice. Place your hand on ruler and cut stopping at the top of your hand, move your hand and finish cutting will give you better cuts. Sometimes it is easier to cut your fabric into smaller pieces before cutting.Sixth, speed sewing will cause uneven seems, sew at a slow pace will give you better seems. Seventh, join a guild, everyone is willing to share what they know without passing judgement. Eight, if the patterns calls for a yard, buy a 1 1/2 yards to allow for cutting errors.
When you decide on a pattern, read it three times from start to finish. It helps to understand what they are telling you. And if you get stumped, asking here will get you several responses. Remember to post a picture when you ask for help, pictures do speak a thousand words. Also, when looking at a block, it will looke funny until it is joined, the seam allowance is there. Also, YouTube has wonderful tutorials.