I dove in and then back up and refined some skills. Learn to use a scant quarter inch seam...different from a full quarter inch. Learn to properly use the rotary cutter and ruler. I pieced about three quilts and took a rotary cutting class and found out I was cutting wrong. Sponge off of any resource you find...friends, books videos. Also bear in mind that are several ways to accomplish something. For instance, making HST's. Find what makes you happy and do it that way. Don't worry about quilt police...keep it fun! Quilting is a life time learning hobby!