gacountrygurl, I'm another country girl from Arkansas, currently (since 1967) living in Florida. I'm also a rank amateur when it comes to quilting. It can be so much fun, but other than the very good advice you've already received, I have just a couple of things. Whenever you get frustrated (and you will -- it's normal) you need to walk away from your project for an hour or two, maybe longer -- that's your decision. If you continue to work when something isn't going right, you become totally frustrated and sometimes folks just walk away from the project permanently. You sound like a very energetic young lady. It helps a lot that you have done some sewing in the past, even if it wasn't quilt-making. The last thing I'm going to suggest is don't be too hard on yourself -- allow yourself to be human. None of us are perfect so we can't create "perfect" things. The best we can do is strive for excellence. I think you're going to do well -- just give yourself time! Welcome to the board from another newbie. Good luck, and remember we're as close as your computer!