All good advice. I use the batting I cut off finished quilts to make practice squares. I practice a lot to get into the rhythm of the stitch I've chosen before putting needle to quilt. I hate ripping out quilting stitches.
The only addition I've added that I haven't seen here is the massage therapist after I've finished a large quilt. It takes her about an hour to get my shoulders out of my ears. Stop frequently (with needle down), grab the seat of your chair and pull your shoulders back down. Have fun with it! Mine is never perfect, but it certainly personalizes my quilts!