Quilting battle

I am sure the actual quilting process should be a pleasure, but I find it a battle.  I am fighting the weight of the quilt, trying to keep everything flat as it passes through the walking foot and trying to keep my stitching even.  It is hopeless!  I am most probably too impatient and not working slowly enough.  I have finished quilting one of the two twin tops apart from the border.  Finished and on the bed I am sure from a distance it will look OK, but it would not stand close inspection. I have come to the conclusion that the finish I want is not possible with the methods I am using.  I cannot justify buying a longarm frame machine, nor can I justify the expense of getting someone to quilt for me......so I will have to seriously think how I am going to quilt my 4 patch posy quilt when the time comes.  I've not tried hand quilting - perhaps that is the route I should go down.  As I plan on joining my local quilting group for the first time on Wednesday, perhaps they will be able to offer me advice.