Regarding stitch width, are you using the controls that are essentially for a zig-zag pattern for your quilting straight stitch?? I have mine set on 0. I have a straight stitch throat plate on so the fabric doesn't get sucked down. Moving the needle at all (I can't move mine over on my machine) would make it hit my throat plate I believe??
Last night I tried the moleskin and didn't really like the feel as I thought the edge was too soft. I tried the post-its and it was nice and firm but by this morning they had popped off already so I would have to be constantly resetting the stack of post-its and making sure they are in the correct place. One of my problems is that my bobbin case is right in the way as well so if I do post-its or moleskin it blocks the door to my bobbin case and my view to see how full/empty the case is.