Julieasb...I too wanted do machine quilting and ruler work. I could do SITD with a special foot, and straight lines using painter's tape. But for special quilts I went to the best longarmer. Took a ruler class at my LQS but my lines were so wonky. Bought two more rulers and played around...not much better. Took a free rulers class, TWICE from different LQSs during pandemic, bought another starter set of rulers and a cross marker tool, and voila! By the third class, enough tips were shared that all made sense and I quilted 40 flannel squares. Now some look great on the front, others look great on the back, most are a bit wonky but overall they give me the confidence to continue. ( I used a row by row quilt as you go technique so I didn't have too much on the table at a time.) As others said, I make utility quilts and while I love the colors that add to a room's ambiance, they are for warmth. So, don't be afraid to try something, but DO get help and instruction however you can...and give your quilts with love.