I agree with both statements above... a buddy quilter is wonderful to have - even if you have to skype with someone - I taught a friend earlier this year how to quilt over skype - - then we'd sit, visit and quilt 'together' over skype!!! IT was grand.
Scrappy - great idea already mentioned... it will help you learn to match seams and everything... it takes practice, practice, practice to get the coloring so it looks really good - you can always ask at the LQS to help you - at least you SHOULD be able to - my people are always helpful!! Just keep trying - don't give up - my first quilt(s) are/were hideous - but my very first one is on my bed and actually goes with me no matter where I go.