Dorrie, I had similar feeling when I couldn't get a straight 1/4 inch seam-ever, and then again when trying to learn how to FMQ designs, it looked like a child had done the work. Those are still not perfect, but if I compare my work now with the older items I have sewn I can see some improvement especially on the feathers, my 1/4 inch seams are still not good. On the FMQ one day it just clicked and I got it, don't quit you may be on the verge of a breakthrough.