Oh geesh, I can't begin to tell you how many times I have forgotten to put the pressure foot down! Duh...oh well...the front was lookin' good :D .
You've gotten some great tips here with the most important being..practice, practice. I would only add...relax...breath....really, it will all turn out just great and it will look fantastic after the first washing. AND...think of all the fabric you can buy with the money you save quilting your own small quilts! :lol: