i learned my quilting from shows and books, though i was a garment sewer prior to quilting by machine. i would second using the edge of your presser foot for your seam allowance guide. Test them for size by stitching 2 lines with an unthreaded needle on a piece paper, a presser edge apart, and measuring the distance between them. There are many excellent beginner books out there. You can also use the classes at Craftsy and Quiltville to good benefit.