Hello from Cape Coral, Florida. Am new too. First attempt to quilt was a 100 x 120 quilt made of old ladies hankies... I was almost 3 months in making it and had to send it out to be quilted (ouch)! Now I stay with about crib size or little larger and really design my own patterns. Last made a movie themed throw which turned out great and then an Amish Quilt with all the rainbow colors and black, which was stunning. Now going other direction using batiks which is a little challenging since I still struggle with the light/dark thing. Am interested in the quilt as you go. Also, have been practicing on free motion and have just about decided for me it's best to use a template first. Any of you have a Brother SQ 9000 machine?? For price looks good but does it have many problems? What machine do you all recommend in under $300. I have an Elna now and it's doing the job but want to go computerized. Happy Quilting from Jazzy Grandma.