Hi, Meg-2 and welcome to the Board! This is a great group to learn all the skills you will need. It's almost as good as having your own personal tutor 24/7 ;)
I've just started machine quilting this last year. Best way to start - pick out a small panel and follow the lines of the design. It will teach you how you can move material under your machine. Don't strive for perfection, that comes with practice!
If that sounds too hard, then start by taking a small quilt made of squares and following the seam (Stitch in the Ditch). Once comfortable with that, then do the same type of quilt and do diagonal lines by going through the squares in an X pattern.
Just do it! You will get better with practice. And HAVE FUN!
Best wishes!