Thanks ladies!
Yes I may un-quilt the top eventually. Right now I had to walk away. Paulina - I am currently working on a table runner and I am quilting it with the regular presser foot. Thankfully the batting is thin so I can manage it.
I will go to a local shop. I think to start out I need a place where I can go and ask questions. Thank you for your opinions on different brands. I think it is interesting that so many brands used to be good but changed their standards.
Again, thank you, I will keep reading!