Again, thank you for all your comments, advice and complements.
First, I'll admit that I'm still struggling to get an even stitch with FM. The theory seemed simple, but I'm just not getting the neatness I want. Maybe I do need to get the gloves to make it pleasing to look at.
Second, my machine has acquired a glitch and isn't working, which may have been adding to the problem. Hubby reminded me that I hadn't had my machine serviced for a few years, and has offered to take it to wherever it needs to go on his next days off work, rather than messing with it ourselves. He's such a love.
So, at the moment it's draped over the bannister. I'm not going to give up on FM, and will be enquiring about some advice or lessons whilst we're at the quilt shop next week.