Sewing machine "upgrades"

Anyone use a straight stitch throat plate? It's a plate that has a single hole instead of a rectangular slot. It's not a standard plate for most Bernina machines. A book I'm reading 350+ Quilting Tips, Techniques, and Trade Secrets recommends a straight stitch throat plate if you find yourself with "wavy" stitches.

Also, does anyone use a specific patchwork (aka 1/4") presser foot? I have been window shopping this foot from Bernina. There are two feet they sell. #37 (without guide) & #57 (with guide).

I bought a straight stitch plate because I had heard they are good when you are sewing small pieces and my red and white quilt I'm working on does. But I haven't tried it yet. I do use my #57 foot when I piece and I love it.

>1 lesmel: Didn't know about straight stitch throat plates, but I would definitely go with the guide on the 1/4" presser foot. It made all the difference for me when I go one. Now I will have to check out that straight stitch. Does it help with very small stitches?

>3 SassyLassy: - It's supposed to - one of the reasons I got it. Now I need to try it.

Just bought the #57. It's discontinued! I had to find it on ebay. Now if I can just hunt down the stitch plate, too.

>5 lesmel: - I'm really surprised by that. I wonder if they replaced it with something else. I can all my local Bernina machine place if you want and see if they have one. (The plate) Or they might know where to get one.

Ooooh, I'm very tempted to find a 1/4" foot for my Viking machine!

So, turns out I have #37 (1/4" without the guide). How did I not know this? Anyhow, I found #57 and the plate. >6 dudes22: Thanks for the offer. I think the feet got discontinued when the older series were discontinued. Maybe I'm wrong and the places I looked are out of stock?

>1 lesmel: My Elna came with both straight stitch and zig-zag stitch plates and I switch between them depending on what I am doing.

I can't imagine what a patchwork presser foot would be, but I use one of the feet that seems to be 1/4" on the right side, so perhaps it's the equivalent. The model machine I bought was called "Quilter's Dream" so that's why I'm assuming I'm right about it ;-)