I started quilting after taking a beginner class at (of all places) the Smithsonian through their Resident Associate Program. It was for people who knew how to sew, but had never quilted. We learned fabric selection, some color theory and piecing. Unfortunately, we had to piece a pillow cover by hand. Definitely not my thing, but I did it and swore I would never do it again. The second half of the class was applique, again by hand and I found needle-turn to be relaxing and beautifully precise, but I have never done it again either. LOL. I think, though, that you have to be exposed to all aspects of the craft in order to determine which suits you, your interests and your adaptability to challenge.