I looks fine from the front. Can you take a photo of the back and post it?? I prefer straight stitching and I think what you are doing is fine. Beginners should stick first with getting comfortable with a walking foot before jumping into FMQ. A great book I would recommend is by Harriet Hargrave: Heirloom Machine Quilting Book. I have the first edition but I would get the most recent edition. If there is a quilt store somewhat close, pop in there and start talking and make some local connections. Great place to find where quilter's meet.