It's a new day and I did learn something important that I'd like to pass along... especially to other newer quilters.
#1) Read and take the advice of the experienced here on the Quilting Board - it can save you much angst!
#2) Always go through your mail order packages (especially quilt kits & backing) right when you receive them. Make sure that you have received all of the correct items/fabrics and that they are the appropriate yardage.
Somewhere on this forum I read the advice that you should always "inventory your order" as soon as it comes in to catch any problems right away. The comments on that thread spoke of missing fabrics that couldn't be replaced when discovered weeks/months later, difficulty with the merchant because time had passed, etc...
So, today I received an order in the mail - I ordered three kits + backing and went through each piece, next to the pattern requirements and checked off the order list as I went along. ONLY to discover there was missing binding/backing for one kit and a mysterious yard of fabric that didn't fit any of the patterns at all. I promptly contacted the retailer and they promised to research and respond - I'm certain they will correct the mix-up so I'm not calling out the company just suggesting it's a good practice to inventory immediately.
Since I'm not an experienced quilter I need to pay as close attention as I can or I can see myself falling quickly down the rabbit hole with no easy way out.
Christine