For the 1/4" seam, I find using a starter scrap, helps me maintain a more accurate seam line from start to finish...as well as chain piecing. I found that I was being inaccurate at the beginning/ending, I tended to sew smaller seams in these areas. Here is a tute explaining this
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-38684-1.htm
I like to use varigated threads for quilting, it is much more forgiving for me than solids.