I agree with everyone, do what works for you. You will make mistakes but that is how you will learn the most. There are great videos, blogs, websites and books for everything. I am making my first QAYG so I looked at everything I could find then took it all and made up a method that I liked best. I love Nancy Zieman, learned more about sewing from her years ago and still watch her because she is clear and shows shortcuts that work. Everyone is different and there is no one right way or one right machine for everybody. Some people don't understand that you buy what you can afford, you can always upgrade when you're ready. The most important thing you learned from this teacher is not everyone is cut out to be a teacher.