Welcome from Virginia
And welcome to the wonderful craft of quilting! I'm only a year quilting myself and I promise you'll get lots of wonderful replies from very experienced and talented folks on here. But for the most part, to answer your questions, yes, yes, yes, yes & yes! Whatever function, use, modification, competition, charity that makes you happy is a good thing - we have no hard & fast rules in this craft. Please do share pictures so we can all enjoy your projects
I will say I've learned so very much from all of the folks on here - there's a wealth of information freely shared! Feel free to ask and share!
Christine