Don't use pins in the quilt sandwich, if at all possible. I found that spray basting holds the layers together the best, although the newer Elmer's glue basting may work as well. Pins get in the way. You also do not want to thread baste if you are machine quilting.
The book by Harriet Hargrave on machine quilting was invaluable to me for tips and advice. The older editions can be fairly inexpensive on Amazon.
Allow yourself lots of practice time, and take breaks. You do not want your shoulders tensing up.
Gloves made specifically for machine quilting on a domestic sewing machine are ***very*** helpful. You can use garden gloves or something similar with grips on the palms, but the machiners gloves are much better -- they are not bulky, hug your hand, and allow your skin to breathe.
Make up a number of practice sandwiches using muslin or old fabrics you don't like and batting. I made mine about 16" square. Leave some plain to practice meandering. Others I used pencil or other marking pens to draw designs.
Keep a glass of wine handy -- great for loosening up!