Jeni,
I did my first St. Perersburg chain about a year ago. I have since done another. It took me many tries before I understood wht they were expecting me to do. Once I got the drift of it I was off and running. Because I learn mainly from books and magazines it takes me a little while for the information to sink into this thick old head of mine. It is easier for me to learn if shown however I am not alway in a position to get the class I want. I have done a couple of classes but that is always the last resort for me.
I have given some classes on techique but I tend to stay away from design classes unless I know the designer and have permission. Once (when I first starting making jewelry) I was wearing a necklace that I had made and someone asked me if I would teach them how to make it. I told them that I had gotten the design from a magazine and I didn't have permission to teach it but that she could find it in such and such magazine.
Back to the subject. You will have fun with St. Peterburg chain when you get around to trying it. It is such a pretty stitch. Can wear it with jeans or a formal. Very Pretty.