I, too, am a Leah Day fan. The items in the kit you purchased will really help you with FMQ. I love the gloves! As for the slider, I tape mine down with painter's tape. I sewed 3 sliders into quilts before I started taping. Taping down the slider takes time; but it has kept the slider out of my quilt. I thought Leah Day used Isacord thread. I have always used Aurifil thread which has worked well for me. I try to buy it when it is on sale.