Take as many quilt classes you have the chance to. I always learn something new from each one. Quilting isn't suppose to be a solitary activity all the time. Enter the local fair or quilt show. Really your quilt will look just fine hanging by all the other quilts. When sewing I go very slow and just recently started to use a longer stitch length for piecing, 3 setting. My blocks lay flat and less bulk at the seams.