Remember dear, that you had to practice with your training wheels on your bike, then practice without them before you became profecient on bike riding, so this will be the same. I do not own a LA, but I know if I did, I would be in the same boat, and have to practice, practice. You wil get there eventually, DON'T give up. My suggestion would be to try and find someone either and individual or in a quilt shop that has a LA, even if not your brand, and go to observe several times, to see what they are doing, this might help you. Hang in ther lady, you'll soon be showing us all the wonderful quilts you have done. Remember no one is perfect!!