My biggest help to learn control was stitching the lines and areas of a child's panel. It forced me to slow down my speed to stay on the black outlines (like coloring books) and the open areas were a great place to try other designs. I never liked doing meander for some reason, and seldom do it anymore. I'd bind them and donate them when done, and I found them much more interesting and fun to do than muslin sandwiches.