I tried a few things, like out-lining a panel , something I read about. Then I found Leah Day's website and she has so much information about setting up your machine to speed control and many videos. Look on youtube for her stuff. Recently she has some on Craftsy, excellent! Her website is Daystyle.com. You can practice and practice but if you don't have some direction it can be frustrating. I am also one that the doodling does not work for. I do much better with my machine than with a pencil! And if you are a perfectionist, it will be hard for you. You just have to work through it. Good luck and I hope you keep trying, it really can work for you. Even if it is a struggle, once you have completed your own quilt, it will be worth it!