So what was your first sewing project? Was it easy or hard?
It was probably a cushion cover. I went through a stage where I made a lot, they were easy because they were squares... no zips

Do you backstitch to "close off" the thread?
Yes

Do you use patterns or do you freestyle your projects?
Freestyle. Patterns scare me... I'm afraid I will stuff them up.
That said, I am determined to (eventually) get a basic pattern & give it a go.

How do you decide what fabric to use?
I see it & I love it & I buy it.... then I decide what to do with it.
I tend to stick to cottons & avoid the slippery stuff like Audax suggested, I'm not really up to it yet BUT I do have a whole heap of satin scraps I have plans for.

New machine, woot! Have fun!

ETA - have you decided what you are making first?