I'm one of those seamstresses learning to be a quilter. I can usually read and understand those patterns and instructions. But, I glance through them and figure I know a better way. Arrogant, I know. My biggest downfall is that I'm always looking for the "shortcuts" which inevitably cause more problems and takes longer to fix than the time the shortcuts would have saved. These days, I try to force myself to become really familiar with the pattern BEFORE I pick up that rotary cutter. Seems to work a little better that way.