Never stop learning

Just attended quilt guild meeting on Monday - there was a used book sale and I picked up a few new (to me) books

Both books by Harriet Hargrave who is just a phenomenal woman, quilter and teacher.  About 10 years ago I was lucky enough to take a class from her on invisible machine applique through a quilt guild I belonged to and it was an amazing day of learning.  She is an excellent teacher.  But - I never followed up with what I learned because I thought I just didn't have the talent to do it (or the patience). :)   I am into the machine applique book to about page 23.  I love the look of applique on quilts, so am determined that this year I am going to start learning to applique and make some beautiful pillows at the very least.  Also have these on my design wall.

Which I want to turn into something like this

These are vintage hankies embroidered to blocks made into a quilt.  I have a collection of vintage hankies and would like to do this, but don't think I am up to all the hand embroidery.
Harriet Hargrave was a pioneer in regard to quilting on a home sewing machine, I will read the Heirloom Machine Quilting book and hopefully I can improve my erratic "scribble" free motion quilting.  Lots of room for improvement there.  It took forever for me to learn how to control the quilt, the speed of the machine and my hands to move the quilt sandwich with some control, and even though I am comfortable now doing something say up to the size of a lap quilt free motion, I would like to learn how to do more intricate designs and plan the quilting. 
It is snowing again today and so cold this morning - the weekend should see some sunshine and warmer temps - maybe we will be able to get outside for a bit and enjoy it.   Adios. Bernie