A medium gray might also work. Don't forget to "puddle your thread" pull out a couple of yards of thread and spread it around on both sides to see what you like the best. When you practice free motion a trick a teacher taught in a class really helps me. Hum the "Skater's Waltz" it is the perfect beat and because of the movements we associate with it you relax and your movements get smoother. Just a suggestion that really helped me.