I read lots of words of wisdom in this post. You will gain confidence with each quilt you make. I spend a lot of time in the quilt shop seeing what other people pick out for their quilts. I look at quilts to see what it is that speaks to me about them. I have a friend who always seems to be able to give some advise which will help my quilt along. I don't have a sister to give me advice -- which is why the advice I get from others doesn't bother me. Learn from each quilt you do. I've been quilting 18 years and am so surprised at what I learn about quilting!