Not all machine (or hand)quilting has to be curvey. A friend of mine can do it but I can't. For me it is all about straight lines and stitch in the ditch. I love diamond shape filler quilting and zig zags that go from side to side in borders, too. Those I can do.
I read somewhere that I could put half the batting in place (sticky spray) and quilt that, then machine zig zag the rest of the batting to the original batting and quilt the second half the quilt. That just about seemed reasonable for the size and weight of my current quilt.
I found wearing quilting gloves (less than $5) very helpful.
Pretty quilts! I agree that practice will get you a long way. Fat quarter quilts for girls who play with dolls that you know and same size for dogs you know, too.
Jois