I tried to learn myself, but no patience ... so I put my dreams and quilting goals away and when I moved to OH, I found a LQS that taught classes ... I've had six classes (two top making/learning quilting classes, applique and paper piecing class, machine quilting and binding class).
I have learned a ton of information on this site ... as most of these folks show their quilts, share patterns (when free), give great directions, etc ...
I believe the best thing that has happened to me this year is I found this quilting board :D