Hello and welcome from Southern California!!! I have been quilting since the late 70's - my mom taught me to sew in 1962, when we moved to WA and my best friend had a toy Singer machine. I wanted one so bad but my mom felt if I was going to learn to sew I need to learn to sew properly, and on her Singer 15-91. (I have that machine now.).
Can't really remember who said the 1/4 inch seam isn't as important as being consistent with all seams.
Looking forward to reading and seeing your future work and posts.