I just read the first page of this thread so if I repeat something that was said, I'm sorry. Do you know someone in town that also quilts that can show you and coach you? Maybe join the local quilt quild and have someone from there coach you. I am real lucky to have my DW as my teacher and coach because I learn best by watching and asking questions, without someone there it makes learning that much tougher. If you have no one available, you might make a small throw-away quilt (made from scrap or cheap material) maybe six squares by six squares to use as a practice platform and use different color thread for the different practice patterns. When you're done throw it away or keep it as a sample. Hope this helps.