Thank you for the tips. I'll get a board and practice the patterns first.
When you use muslin to practice, do you also use batting? If the point is to practice the movement, does it matter if it is just a piece of fabric?
I'll order some pantos tonight and a bolt of muslin. I'm putting the binding on now, just about to close it. I used Sharon Schamber's binding technique and it is so nice to work with!