When I first started reading about quilting, I made the mistake of picking up Harriet Hargraves' "Machine Quilting." It scared me to death! I almost decided quilting wasn't for me. Instead I returned it to the library and got out some beginner books, which were much less terrifying.
Since then I've read Harriet's book and appreciate it and I have tremendous respect for her. I would love to do show-quality work, but I doubt I will ever have the patience. I want to improve, but I also want to enjoy what I'm doing.
Perhaps you should read Lisa Boyer's "That Dorky Homemade Look" and "Stash Envy" instead! :D