Bev, Welcome from Colorado. The Internet is a wonderful way to learn how to quilt. There are so many tutorials and free patterns available that a person doesn't have to buy any patterns. There are so many beautiful quilts that the members make that inspire me to do more quilting. The only problem is not having enough time to quilt as much as I want. We have beautiful fabrics that our ancestors would be envious about.
The QB is like having a World full of quilting friends at your fingertips. All of the suggestions you have received have been genuine. There isn't a nicer group of friends. Enjoy your quilting.
We'd love to see your work. Eiltcoq.