I safety pin baste, also ... you were quilting with straight lines, yes?
Have you tried a walking foot?
I think this discussion started with using templates. Your dresdan plates look like you used the template just right!
Sometimes, when you get a new template? They send a pattern with it so you can practice making something using that ruler.
You might want to try that. If you have enough templates, or you want to practice something a number of times, I would do that with the idea that I would be making some kind of sampler. Even if you don't make every practice piece with the same colors, with a sashing between each other, you will have a very attractive piece.