Don't give up on the idea of doing quilts for others. I'm a newbie and all I've been doing is practice, practice, practice. I haven't even done a quilt yet and had my machine a couple of months. I figure as I get better, then I'll decide when to throw that first quilt on the frame - already have a quilt from my mom she wants done (I'm only doing my own quilts or for my mom. For me, this is a hobby not a business and mom can have all the quilts she wants quilted for free and I get to practice too!).
There's so many different ways to make stunning quilts - check out the quilt pictures posted here where rulers, CircleLord, QuiltaZid, etc. were used. They are amazing! And you can pickup some of these items used so they cost less.
Can't help you on the stitch regular beep but I'm sure someone on the forum can. Hang in there, it only gets better!
Mercedes