BEauty - Since this is your first and you may not be familiar with the Stitch in the Ditch - which is stitching right in the seam line of your two pieces - on the right side of the fabric. I might suggest practice on some scrap fabric sew some pieces together and try your hand at stitch in the ditch, also with your different stitches on the machine, find one you like and use that for your stitch in the ditch, one that will cross the seam line on both sides, that way rather than just stitch in the ditch, you won't be ripping out stitches, if you have problems staying in the seam line or (ditch) with your stitching. I don't have much of a problem with the SID, but I also like to add a little flair, so I often use one of my decorative stitches on my machine. This also looks good on the back. I too like the idea of varigated thread. That would really look nice. Be sure to post pic. when you are finished, and welcome to the wonderful world of quilting. Now you are hooked, so have fun.