I don't use a 1/4" foot. Ever. I tape a full sticky note pad beside my presser foot and use that as a guide.
I only sew/quilt when I feel like it. And that isn't every day. Or sometimes even every week.
3/4 of my quilting books have been packed away in the attic since I moved into my cottage 4 years ago. Sometimes I miss them, but not often.
Jan in VA