Reading all of your responses has really made me feel like a newbie. I have not been sewing for very long- I really have only been focused on sewing for just under 3 years. I also took a little bit of sewing in high school, but did not really expand my skills until recented started experimenting more with new projects I am a big fan of trying new things and have found magazines like threads have really helped. I have even been able to make my own patterns, I am so excited to hear about the depth of all of your skills and look forward to getting better at the fine details!