I read, bought quilting books, started with a couple of huge whole quilts, one showing planets and one monster trucks going over rocks. I sewed around every planet, every truck and rock. Those took me about 2 years to finish. I learned what not to do, and two of my GC are enjoying those quilts now.
I have since bought more quilting magazines and just recently watched how-to videos and joined a couple of on-line forums. My knowledge and confidence have grown since then and I am looking forward to expanding my abilities.