Pressing with the iron can distort pieces. I found that pressing with a large iron works best for ironing the fabric but for piecework the travel iron dosnt distort the piecework like a heavy iron can. Even when I am very careful the weight of the iron can make a seam uneven. I never realized this until I used my large iron one day after using my travel iron for awhile.
Squareing up the corners of the quilt with a 12 inch ruler before sewing on the binding keeps seams more even when you stiche in the ditch later.
Most of all its the lessons from watching quilting shows on the web that have helped the most, especially Eleanor Burns.
I also use a wooden skewer to hold seams in place while sewing. A whole pkg is only two dollars. Much cheaper than a stilletto.