I too was terrified of using my LA, and it sat for months. So off to Joanns I went and bought a bolt of muslin(on sale of course!) and cut large pieces for the top and back and put pieced batting between and sewed and sewed. Jerky and looked awful, but I kept at it. Trouble is , I didnt learn til much later that I could change the speed to give me better control. Oh well. Take your time, and try loops and heart and leaves. The feathers will come later.If you can turn down the speed and just sew and sew and use up that muslin and anything ugly in your stash, you will be OK.
Happy stitching and dont be too hard on yourself!