PattySue, our mama used the block of wood when my sisters and I were learning to sew. She managed to control our "lead foot" sewing if not in our driving later on. Ha!
I bought the new Bernina with the stitch regulator. I love it. It counts the threads so supposedly the stitches will all be the same. (I can override that! It took me no practice at all!!! Ha-ha!!) Overall though, the regulator makes free-motion quilting very, very easy. Once you try it you'll want one. I have a niece to blame for my buying the Bernina. OH, yes, She let me try hers!
I also own a Pfaff which I love because of the built in dual feed. I read somewhere that they were also coming out with a stitch regulator. Keep looking.
Meanwhile I piece with the Pfaff and quilt with "Nina".