Learned on my own years ago...and I researched questions I had to get answers on from books at the library (which there were few then). Today, with YouTube, all the various sources on the internet, and most importantly, all the wonderful folks on this board, you can easily learn on your own. Take a class if you want to get the basics quickly, use the 'search' on this board as chances are the answers are already here, and check out the Missouri Star Quilt Co. and Bonnie Hunters site, Quiltville, as those are a wealth of information. Most importantly, have FUN!