I learned by checking out every quilting book from the library on the subject I could find. Eventually I took a class on trapunto by machine, background patterns, and then a fmq class with Diane Guadynski. I learned so much in all of them. So I would just get a book, practice, practice and then practice some more while keeping your eye out for a class. I have found that for myself, meandering is harder than marking feathers or other motifs. I am always getting trapped in a corner! When I want a fast quilting job on a quilt, I do converging chevrons. Then I can use my walking foot.