free form applicque

[disclaimher.livejournal.com]

I am trying to use my sewing machine to do some free form applicque. In my sewing machine manual, it tells me to lower the feed dogs on my machine so the fabric can slide around easily when sewing on a curve. Other than that, I am just using a basic straight stitch. But when I lower the feed dogs my stitches pop, and I don't know how to move the fabric in time to make even stitches.

So I've been trying to sew down my applicque with the feed dogs still up, and it is hard because it feels like I am fighting my machine. I often have to stop and lift the pressure foot to adjust the fabric when sewing on curves, and the stitches aren't one fluid, even line anymore.

Background, I am sewing through one layer of medium weight canvas layers with some lightweight cotton on top, bonded together using heat 'n bond.

Anyone know what I am doing wrong? Suggestions?