Torn

So, so torn. I want to make a quilt. I mean, really, really want to make a quilt. But, knowing my past experiences with a sewing machine, I'm torn. Past experiences = no confidence. Add that to my tendency to rage and I have visions of throwing a perfectly good sewing machine across the room. Seriously.

I'm loving quilts by Elizabeth Hartman, so modern! She has a few tutorials which are helpful, until you suffer a a mild panic attack about whether or not you could figure out how to "find the grain". And if you could cut straight lines. And if its possible to keep all of the pieces straight in your head to create the pattern. My heart starts to beat awfully fast just thinking about it. I have issues, I know.

Here's the thing. I could start small, but then I'd end up with a quilt that is too small to use as a throw or to use on a bed. Maybe something for a baby. If only I knew someone who was having a baby. Oh wait, I do know more than one person who is having a baby. Hmmmm.
Now that that dilemma is solved, I'm back to first issue (once again, pounding heart). Do I read every tutorial I can get my hands on and just do it and hope I don't screw it up? Do I take a class at a place like Intown Quilters (four saturdays for four hours - that's a lot of time!)?
Help me!