yup, those stencils that have a fine mesh in the design require some kind of powder to mark--I never use my pounce pad, but instead a foam paintbrush allows me to control the chalk powder better. And replacement chalk does not cost too much. But think you will have problems with any kind of powder (chalk, corn starch, etc) cause you said you planned to go slow and use the walking foot--the powder is likely to wear off too fast.