I am so sorry for your experience. My LQS offers a quilting 101 class once a month. It is a continuation class, but you may choose which ones you want to go to and they do HELP as much as possible...and if after the class you need more help, just stop in the store and the manager will help you. I can't imagine just throwing it out to you without explaining the rotary cutter, the fabric and the direction of the grain...This 101 class in my area goes into all of it...even hand quilting, if you like. I hope this doesn't disacourage you from trying your hand at quilting.