Totally self taught. No one in my family quilts or sews (or any other craft). I got my first sewing machine when I got married, 14 yrs ago. Started a log cabin quilt, learned by reading a book, then had a baby and it fell by the wayside. 14 yrs later and a new machine, I'm back in it. I do alot of reading on the internet, alot of "trial and error" and have bought a few quilting books. Started with small table runners and baby quilts, and am now on my first queen size quilt. Oh, and that 14 yr old log cabin top, still in a drawer. Its not very pretty :(