It takes lots and lots of practice! I have a grace frame that I use my Janome 6600. I run my machine at it's fastest speed and then have to really concentrate on not moving it too fast or I end up with jerky, long stitches. One thing you may want to do is get a large sheet from your local thrift store and load it on your frame. Then using a contrasting thread practice, practice, practice. The lady I bought the frame from said she did that and it really helped her.
This sounds like a great ideal. I would still use 3 layers wouldn't I?
As for the stitch regulator I have no ideal about it. My DH first did the quilting so I never ran the machine without the regulator. He says it's different. DH has moved on to other projects so I have my hobby to myself (Smiling)