Well, good for you!
I think you did really grand!
Are you telling me that you are free motion quilting without an embroidery/darning foot????
Not only are you avante garde, child, you are really BRAVE!
Given the handicaps you listed, I would say you have done VERY WELL!
As far as not mastering "stitch in the ditch" before doing free motion quilting ... I don't think you stepped out of line ... and I do like your circular thinking <g>
if you can't sew straight, sew crooked on purpose ...
who can argue with that outlook?
I repeat ... you did very well and have every right to keep doing what you are doing. I think your motif is very good, and you are correct - - you learned a lot, and that is the purpose of practice.
I can't tell you how many times I have seen more experienced quilters than I tell beginners to make hot pads to practice on ... there is a world of enjoyment and skill to be learned on something that may only be nine inches square.
How big is your potholder, by the way?