Welcome from Northern California!
Regarding your delimina with 1/4 inch. Before I got a machine that actually had a 1/4 inch foot, I used my Mom's old White Machine. I used masking tape and marked it on my machine. I've heard of other people getting moleskin (for blisters, etc.) to stick on your machine exactly 1/4 inch from the needle. It is thicker so it actually provides a barrier to butt your fabric against.
(I have to admit that even with a 1/4 inch foot my seams don't always come out right.....but, I keep trying!)