Use a size 60# or higher thread top and bottom with a 60/8 needle to practice. It does make a difference.

fast pedal speed also means fast friction of the needle eye on your thread. so stop once in awhile to let the thread rest. also check it and make sure it's not fraying. larger eye needle will help with free motion too!!
small stitch length is due to slower movement of the quilt, you're right. so maybe move a bit faster. too fast and you will get too long a stitch. practice! looks good otherwise. :mrgreen:

Your quilting looks great. I would say a lot of your problem is your thread. Coats & Clark Dual Duty thread was not made for quilting.

Keep up the good work. Happy quilting!!!

Wonderful quilting!!!! You Go Girl!!! :thumbup:

Your curves look great! I still am a chicken to try this but I do know my machine has certain threads it likes and others that it doesn't play well with at all.

I think it looks wonderful. I agree with others that the breakage may be your thread. I had the same problem with Coats and Clarks thread. I use Connecting Threads thread now and have no problems with breakage.

Thank you for all the wonderful words and encouragement! I'll definitely be getting some new thread and try out a few needle sizes. I was using an 11. I started with a 14 but the holes it left seemed too big.