Welcome, Newbie! We were all newbies once and are ALL still learning. You don't state your whereabouts but I know for sure that if you are anywhere near central Michigan there are a dozen quilters that would take you under their wing. I'm fairly sure that is the same wherever you are located. I suggest you find a guild, even if you don't become a lifetime member. Guilds are not for everyone but quilts are universal--we either like to make them, sleep under them, or both.
Grammahunt