i just got a machine a month ago that will allow me to quilt, and i have been going crazy with table toppers, etc etc. have done a couple quilts now as well, and yup, practice is what it takes! those gloves....they are a lifesaver!! i fought the fabric it seemed and some of my meandering circles would just whoosh! go fast when the fabric rolled smooth...the gloves make all the difference in the world! the little grippers on them make it much easier to control the fabric and i noticed a difference immediately. i love the idea and thank you very much about doodling for a few minutes before you start; i am making a quilt now for my 'second mom' before surgery and i will try that before i start in on it! you are doing fantastic! and hello from idaho :)