Oh :::shudder::: I have one of my 1st FMQ practice pieces to remind me of how far I have come! I agree that practice is the key. The other two things that helped me was
www.pajamaquilter.com and a white board. You can practice your 'doodling' with out being afraid of messing up fabric. What ever you can draw (don't put your elbow down), you can quilt. Be brave...oh..and some music and a glass of wine don't hurt!