I am basically self taught and am a rule follower. I read the pattern and go step by step. I now take classes when there is something I want to learn and because I want to work with a group. I love the fun of a group sewing project and I always learn something. Yesterday at a class someone actually thanked me for a suggestion I made and said she learned from me. I was delighted! I have no desire to enter competitions but I love the quilts I create. My favorite instructor quilted a quilt that was in “Primitive Quilts” I was so excited to tell her and then I found out she does work for several “famous” names and is in all sorts of books.