That is a very nice first quilt. There are lots of very positive things to be said. Your rows are lined up so nicely and that is not easy when you are dealing with blocks and sashing. I think it is great that you see some of the areas you might have done better. Please don't fret over them-just save the knowledge for your next quilt. This one looks great. You know the problems could not be significant if you had to point them out to an observer. As for quilting: google cross=hatching and you would be good to go. You will see lots of different suggestions for doing it. it can be done over the whole quilt or one block at a time. Please show us what you do!