Well I think it's great for a first attempt! :D
I'm new to this as well but what I find is using a quilting thread in the top and a finer one in the bobbin works best for me. I use Aurifil cotton piecing in the bobbin and a 100 percent cotton quilting thread in the top. And I don't think close stitches matter if you like the effect but if you want them wider, just experiment a bit on some practice sandwiches with speed of machine and hands, til you find a groove you're happy with. :D
Hope this helps, but I'm NO expert, it's just what works for me! :D