You mentioned something about deciding how you want to quilt a top. I just read a book, Listen to Your Quilt, by Barbara Persing. She gives excellent tips for analyzing the top and answering four basic questions about it. She provides several examples. I bought my copy through Amazon to keep the cost down. Used copies are available through Amazon, too.
I know I will find it easier to decide how I want to quilt my future projects! So keep trying and keep us posted on how you are doing...we are all rooting for you!