Welcome, Quinn. You will find lots of support and information on this board. It sounds like you're off to a good start. Some of us who've been quilting for several years still do things the hard way! Or make it harder than it is. That's me for sure but I muddle through and generally have a passable quilt in the end. And I love it and I feel gratified when it's done so I guess it's just the way it is for me. You sound like you're interested in improving and you'll have fun along the way. Good luck and let us see you quilt when it's done.