Definitely play with it. I made muslin and old curtain sandwiches and just practiced. I was a little intimidated, but after I took the class from my dealer, I was more willing to play with it. I have done a few already with more lined up. Now I just need to figure out my time (I'm working fulltime).
If you belong to a guild, volunteer to do charity quilts. That's what I did. I also picked one up from someone on another group I belong do that makes quilt tops and sends them out to people who volunteer. All the group that sent it asks is that you send a photo of the finished quilt. Go online and check with Quilts of Valor, Linus Project, and other websites. They will get quilt tops and need someone to quilt them. They are looking for help and not for ribbons. They will appreciate any ones that you want to quilt. That way you both benefit. You get practice and they have quilts to give out.
Last point, just have fun and enjoy it.