I hear you, I too have been trying to expand my quilting abilities. I have a bunch of UFO's that will keep me busy for the remainder of this year but I am trying new techniques on each as I finish them, even if it's just a new type of FMQ design. New techniques that I have recently tried are: designing a quilt label online and printing it on my inkjet printer, basting with washable glue, using starch and washable glue for binding prep, micro-stippling, using built in embroidery stitches on my Bernina. I get a lot of inspiration online, I'm always łooking for new uTube videos, reading, and of course looking at QB. I just ordered a bunch of Kaffe Fasset fabric - that should help me be more adventurous with large scale patterns and bold colours. I miss the quilt guild back home and their library of books.
i like your new pillow - the colours are vibrant and work well together.