I also just finished my fist machine quilt and absolutely ruined a beautiful top. I took a class but also realize it will take a lot of practice before I am happy with the results. Yes, sending it out is expensve but I have decided to do just the tops and when I need a gift or a special reason then I will send it out. In the meantime some quilt shops have a 45x45" practice quilt that has different machine quilting designs on it that you can practice on by following the lines. I believe these practice quilts are about $15-20.