In regard to the "draw a 1/4 inch line" - I sometimes will draw in my own sewing line just to be sure I am getting it right - and in the case of other than quilt squares - things like dolls - it is becoming more popular (and I think more accurate) to draw the line of your intended pattern, sew on it and then cut out the item with the seam allowances you want. For me it gives my brain something "sure" to focus on and I find that a quarter-inch foot does not always allow for moving around in intricate tight spots where sewing on the line and then cutting it out seems to work better for me, anyway. To me it is kind of an extra insurance policy that I am going to get the end result that I want. As you can tell, I am excited about this progress. :-)
Marysewfun