Craftypete, The 1st thing I'd suggest is to watch some videos on YouTube. Everyone does things just a little different. I like to quilt without a hoop but a close friend only likes to use a hoop. I prefer longer needles and not the short quilting needles. I quilt coming toward myself and not sideways. It's best to practice on small things first like mug rugs.
You might try using perle cotton (#8) and a crewel needle and doing big stitch quilting until you get comfortable.
Good luck and keep at it.