I agree about the slider and gloves. I actually bought a non-stick oven liner from Wal-Mart. I had to make a cut out for my needle and add some grips to the back (I used that puffy shelf liner, but in strips, and attached to the back). Made a big difference for me! My makeshift slider can wander some, so thinking about getting the actual slider since it has the tacky back. I feel like I finally have some semblance of control, so trying to branch out from meandering. Time/practice really does make a difference as well.