+1 on what Derek said - the PITH activities are open to all members, regardless of your skill level or how long you've been making pens.
I'm a long-time woodworker but only started making pens a little over a year ago. I sat out the first couple of PITHs after I joined IAP because I didn't feel my pens were worthy, but finally got up the courage to join one and had a blast & haven't missed one since. My pens are rarely equal to the quality of the ones I get in return, but as Derek pointed out, that's not the point of the PITH. The objective is to have fun, make some new friends and perhaps challenge yourself a bit and learn something new.
I like to engage in some dialog with my partner & look at some of their postings to get an idea of what they might like before I select a blank and kit. If I can, I like to use a rare or unusual blank or one with a story - anything I can think of to make the pen a little special.
It looks like we'll have over 50 participants in the September PITH and there seems to be a good mix of long time & new members, so it should really be fun.
If anyone is still waffling, jump on in! The water's fine!
Edgar