Hang in there. I got much better after about 3 quilts. I do lots for charity. No ones compains if something is not quilte perfect. Non quilters do not have a clue. I can do a twin size one prolly in 5 hours now---from the start of loading. I just quilt free from the front of the machine. I have about 5 patterns I could almost do in my sleep. I do not have a stitch regulator. I do not even have a bobbin winder.
I use Bottom Line prewound bobbins and Essential Pro Thread from Connecting threads. I can use other threads for the top but this is what I mainly use.
My machine is old---HQ16---and bought on Craigslist. It will get much better.