I called the not-so-local QS and asked about hte one they had on display since they are too far away for me to take the class. They, like most of our LQS's were extremely eager to help!
Bearisgray, you were absolutely right, they used muslin on their display. However, they are teach it with stabilier too for people who love to really get a lot of use out of their finished products. I guess it just comes down to that my fleece was really think and I needed to play with my tension a little. Also, she advised 'leveling' the foot by using a thin piece of cardboard.
Will have to give it a try over the weekend. Crossing my fingers it works, their display one was awesome and I would love to make some made up for gifts.