Do what I did -- go to the thrift stores and buy old sheets. Get some somewhat cheap batting....sandwich then, etc. Then DRAW with felt pen, the design you want your quilt top to be (triangles, blocks, etc)...add borders if you're going to do borders. Then practice on that. If you're doing meandering, then just meander....but it's a LOT cheaper than practicing on something you've paid big $$ for fabric and put a lotta heart into.