--I second getting and Eleanor Burns book -- she has the best explanations.
--I would also advise that you not try to rotary cut with a dull blade or sew with a dull needle. Clean your machine after each project (you would be surprised how much lint collects).
--Also, if your machine needs it, oil it regularly if you sew a lot.
--If you want to get the most out of your machine
-- My first quilts were made before rotary cutters, but I jumped on the band wagon quickly because they make life much easier.
--For many years I only had a rotary cutter, a 6x24 ruler and a 15" square ruler, a rotary cutter and a 24x36 mat and I could make a lot of quilts (the rulers have angles on them to cut some of the triangles). I added the Shape Cut to help me cut straight strips and then bought other notions and templates. Honestly, the Shape Cut is one of those things I use all the time.
-- For applique, coloring books or coloring pages you can get on line are great patterns -- Dover has books with patterns that use to make fun quilting patterns.
-- Leah Day has awesome info about free motion quilting.
Above all, don't be afraid to ask questions on this board!!