I was not new when I finally decided to start hand quilting. I just got so tired of making nice tops and then finishing them with little ties. So, one day I just got out the needle and jumped in. My stitches were not small, and they were not even, but they were MINE. Over the years, (this was 2003) they have become much better.
Now if you are shy about starting on a nice top, and scared of wrecking it, just take a piece of fabric and make it a test subject.