Yes, take a class (Beginner's). Even with doing your own thing it's amazing at what trick's of the trade you'll learn in a glass.

I'm new to quilting too. I started out in a beginning class with the rail fence, then took a turning twenty class. You learn so many great tips about cutting and sewing your quilt. I learn something everytime I'm with another quilter. It also helps when you are in a class with other quilters. You pick up a lot
from them.

Sign up for one class. Then if you like it, sign up for more. I have met the most wonderful people by taking quilting classes at my LQS.

I live in Clinton,Mississippi. Not any classes around here. What are some online classes?

Why struggle to "figure everything out". No reason to keep re-inventing the wheel. Lots of tutorials right here and plenty on other sites. Good luck with your quilting. It's a wonderful world.

Hi, looks like we are 'neighbors'...I would say yes, take the lessons....you will love it.

I say that you need to come out out of your shell and step out there. Once you're out, you'll find that you enjoy the company of others and can learn a great deal from other quilters. You will probably love it and decide to do more. Plus it will definitely build your self confidense and self esteem.

Take classes. I get very nervous when sewing with other people around, so I take cheap fabric to use during class and then go home and use the good fabric. I have found the classes to be benifishfull.

Fi9nd a shop where you are comfortable and like the teacher then sign up for a class that is suitable for a beginner. I am a newbie to sewing and quilting and just took my first class this weekend as learnt alot. You will find friendly people and our shop limits the class size to no more than 8 people so you get attention to the help you need so find out the class size. I am also shy but in order to come out of the shell and learn you need to sometimes step out of your comfortable zone.

Jeff

Hi Linda701-
I was new to quilting 5 years ago and watched Alex Anderson's "Simply Quilts" TV show. I also discovered an on-line site called "QuiltersCache". Marcia Hohn, who established that site, has hundreds of quilt blocks posted, all free.
In copying them all to my laptop [while periodically sending her $25 because I just felt so grateful] I gradually learned how to piece blocks. Now I can look at someone else's quilt and see how it could be made. I don't have much to spend so I only buy patterns that I can't figure out or that have intricate paper-piecing.
I also bought some introductory books.
Then I knew what I needed to learn and took a few classes. They are great fun. Plus when you know what you need, you know what questions to ask.

Now you seem to be way beyond where I was when I started. Free motion quilting is still very hard for me but what everyone says is that you must practice, practice, practice - which I hate. So I advise getting a book on free motion quilting at your library - trying things at home first - and then practice a lot - and then you will get maximum benefit from your class
experience. - Judy