I would say no to the stencil, it would just complicate things. Also, though you probably don't want to hear it, practice is the answer. If you want any help
www.daystyledesighs,com shoot can't remember how to get a link, is a great Fmq'ing sight. I practiced with all of her fillers, and now I do pretty good. I use to think I love this top, and after the quilting feel like I ruined it. But, now, I feel like the quilting is really enhancing the quilt. So practice, practice, and practice.