Thanks very much for the kind welcomes, everyone!
I've never actually been to Aberdeen before - I live in the central belt area (near to Edinburgh and Glasgow). Aberdeen's a couple of hours drive away, so it's not too far :). I'd like to try a swap sometime - they sound interesting. I think I'll try to get some practice before I start signing up though!
I've just had a friend very kindly offer to lend me their sewing machine for a little while until I get my own, so I have something to learn and practice machine piecing on. Think I'll be taking a trip to the LQS this weekend to pick up some rotary cutting equipment! :)