I'm sure everyone has their own ideas on this issue. The BEST advice I got when I was scared to death of free motion is this:
"JUST DO IT!". I created a practice sandwich and went at it. When I was feeling confident enough to take a class in free motion I did so--only to be somewhat disappointed that I was good enough, and it was easy enough, that I did not need the class.
The key to free motion is learning YOUR own balance between speed and consistency. Do your own thing and have fun. If it costs you a yard of cheap fabric to play then you have saved money in the long run.
This, of course, is just my own humble experience but it did lead me to buying a sit down long arm machine (Love! Handiquilter!) and I quilt my own quilts now. Just do it.