Aborning, and others getting LA this holiday - Forget the quit tops for starters. Get some of the end of season fabric that you like on super sale prices, a dark and a light. Rack it onto the frame with the batting and sew away. Make the E's M's loop-de-loops, figure 8"s and cross hatching. Pounce designs on with your old quilt stencils and sew those. Trace the stencils you have onto computer paper and use that as a pantograph. Play with different thread weights and metallic threads. When you finish all that play quilting, cut the practice piece into place mats and table runners and bind. You'll get something usable, and you will not have fretted about fouling a quilt top. Use chalk to draw "quilt blocks and stars" to practice stitching in the ditch. You'll feel less inhibited with plain cloth, and get better and more courageous faster.