That's right CarrieG. I use the doodle pad to try out various designs by pen first. I lay the see through vinyl over my piece, and try out different quilting, just like I might stitch it. Doing this gives me confidence to sit and stitch with minimal markings.
Do not stitch through the vinyl!!
Also, thank you everyone for your nice comments. I'm so proud of myself :) and I'm all puffed up with encourangement because of that.