Marcia...we all do the same thing in the beginning. Just keep practicing and you will find what works for you. We can be told 5 different ways of doing something and there will be 1 that works for you. I'm far from an expert and someone picky might just gasp at some of mine....but, here's the deal...I didn't pay someone a fortune to quilt it and each and every one is a learning one for me and each time I get better and learn more, and I did it MYSELF!... Just keep practicing!! I will someday, if I ever grow up...have a real quilting system:)Keep us posted and remember...this is not a race. We don't have to cross the finish line at the same time as others....art as we do is a style. Each and everyone's own. I bet yours is already an amazing start! Skeat