I got $3 garden gloves at a discount store and like them because they come in small size - some gloves are too big for me. Have a darning foot, and when I indicate quilting on my machine, the feed dogs go down. Never used that slidy thing and don't see how it would make a difference. I'm happy with what I can do without all the fancyschmancy stuff. Mostly just practice, practice, and more practice. I love small stippling best.