craftsy.com has a step by step tutorial you can download. It has 10 basic stitches. I have my embroidery in a small tote I found years ago. I keep it in a plastic scrapbook tote that I can also use as a light box for tracing. I have a small led (battery operated) light I picked up for a couple dollars. I just use the threads from DMC. You can use beeswax or dryer sheets to allow the thread to move smoother through the fabric. I don't do a lot of embroidery but when I do it's hand. If nothing else just practice small things like daisies or border with a straight or chain. You can actually embroider with any stitch you want for the look you want. It's hard to remember all the stitches. I have an embroidery stitch book in my tote.