I am self taught...though I learnt most of what I have learnt from this board and many, many utube videos. You can do it!!! I started on a Kenmore sewing machine and FMQ'd a twin size quilt on that...I was hooked...made a few more and than for Christmas my hubby bought me a Janome 7700. I use to use an ironing board to hold the weight of my quilt prior to getting a table from Ikea. If I had to do it over I would have waited to buy expensive fabric as you get better and better. Go through your closet, look for 100 percent shirts you no longer use...make a few scrappy quilts to practice on. do you have a cat...make a small cat rug. they love them!