I agree with all above...and I agree...505 spray is the Best...I have tried many...no smell and it does not junk up my needle. Practice on Table runners. Keep practicing...you will get it. Make sure to pull the bobbin thread to the top of the quilt. That was my biggest issue when I started. The Gloves are so important with out then its hard to grip the fabric and your hands will start to hurt and you will get lots of peaks in stead of curves. I love the slider but I am sure there is something out there cheaper that would work just as well.