I'll be checking out that blogspot, too. I have the same problem, midwifehc. You actually have it EASIER when you use the same color of thread. Start looking at all your magazines/books on quilting and REALLY look at what their quilting looks like. You'll be surprised....they don't always backtrack exactly. And PPP (practice, practice, practice). Take whatever classes you can. I always thought you had to go back to the stem on a feather, but actually, the "pros" don't....they leave a slight gap so they don't have thread build-up. As for lighting....the more lighting you can get, the better. I also use a stronger pair of reading glasses. I go up to 3.75 and buy them at the dollar store. I only use them when I need to be up close and personal with the machine.
Check out this website: www.mqresource.com. You'll find some videos there that you can see without joining. If you join there's more videos and classes.
dee