You really picked an ambitious quilt for your first one. I made a "Just Can't Cut It" for my first one. I had the same background you did, but didn't know beans about squaring up blocks and sewing that elusive 1/4" seam. I kept wanting to go back to a 5/8" seam. Now, I have a problem sewing anything bigger than a Scant 1/4". I really look forward to seeing your progress. Please post pictures as you go.