I sure wish you were here in Poland cuz I have about 30 more to finish--all charity quilts. They are great practice quilts. Actually though, it is really helping me. I'm getting much more confident on the smaller twin size--the larger full/queens are still hard, but the twin size is getting to be breeze. I've finished several in the last two weeks.
I figure charity quilts are are the ultimate practice. Why? Because at least here in Poland, no one cares if it isn't perfect as no one hardly, even knows what quilting is. So, if you mess up, cross lines when you didn't want to, or even get a small pleat in the back..well, do better next time, but keep on keeping on.