I took my first-ever quilting class at the QIAD shop in San Marcos, CA. Up until then I guess I thought quilts were made by elves, or something, lol. The instructor (not EB of course) was grouchy and impatient with my almost total ignorance, unfortunately, and needless to say I did not finish my quilt--a very simple crib-sized Single Irish Chain--in a day. I did go home with EB's Irish Chain book, though, and managed to not only finish my first quilt on my own but rapidly progress to Double Irish Chains with her very clear instructions. So I always credit EB with getting me started, even though I'm mostly self-taught.