To get the hang of using your set up, practice on plain cloth with batting and maybe a used sheet for backing. (You can buy the used sheets at Goodwill.) That way you can get the hang of quilting on it without worrying about any mess ups. Afterwards just throw that first one out if you don't like it or use it around the house as a utility quilt.
I've had my set up for several years but there are times that I go for a year without using it. When that happens, I buy a pre-printed baby panel and quilt it to a flannel backing just to get the hang on using it. This helps me go get into the swing of quilting on one of my pieced quilt tops. This also gives me extra baby blankets that can be thrown on the floor when company comes and one is needed.