My very first block of the month was very expensive,also. It was a thimbleberry at my LQS. I was a beginner then and could not put the first 2 blocks together right. The owner of the quilt shop said I had to buy all the blocks even though I wanted to quit.(don't think that was right but that's another story). Well, I never gave up. It turned out to be one of my favorite quilts and I learned alot doing it. I did have some advice from friends in a guild I joined. Please, don't give up!!!!! You will be amazed at yourself by the time you get through and there lots of people here that will help you if you need it. I will put a picture of it on for you in a little while( have to go take it).