I feel your pain! I just starting piecing quilts about a year ago and actually quilting them a few months ago. I agree with all of the comments, especially the slowing down, practicing, and starting small. I just finished quilting 8 lap quilts (all different) and each one was better quilted than the last. I also used stencils to mark and stitch on different areas of the quilt. Then I would fill in around with free motion meandering. You don't have to stitch exactly on the lines, they will disappear or wash out if you use the right products; but often the eye will hit the perfectly formed hearts, feathers, swirls etc. and the whole quilt looks good. The most important thing for me in the beginning was the color of thread on the fabric. As a beginner, it was important to me to not have the actual stitches show much just the puffing. I learned to use a lighter translucent color thread to match the fabric. Happy Quilting!