Donna--get some cheap fabric and contrasting cones of thread (I like Superior's SoFine best, but also use Permacore, Glide and King Tut--my machine is not very fond of YLI but others like it) and just start quilting--figure out the tension, try pantos, rulers, etc--load that practice piece with lots of thread! And have fun! I've been quilting for about 3 years now--I think it took me about 18 months before I really started feeling confident and just today my DH made the comment "you've gotten so much better!" so don't be discouraged if you aren't immediately liking your work--it will come with practice.