First hand paws, any tips?

I made a character just for this because if I mess up than it'll be okay because I have no attachment yet to the lil guy. Using this tutorial and free pattern they gave: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaUabcSliNI

So far I've:

1. Broken 3 sewing machine needles
2. Lost 2 hand stitching needles
3. Needed to replace the spool once
4. Change the bobbin thread multiple times (I never put enough in there...)
5. Learned how to do the zig-zag stitch on my machine
6. Learned to hand sew a ladder stitch
7. Lost two seam rippers
8. Realized why people use minky and certain fur brands. (I am currently using second-hand fabric and on sale scraps)
9. Also realized I don't have anything to mark the fur fabric, paint is okay but eeeh makes me nervous
10. Have not matched the thread to the color of the paws 
11. Acquired hand pain
12. Learned impatience is not my friend here
13. Wished Joanne's did not close 
14. Thought of a rich quick scheme I'll never do so I could just buy from a professional maker lol

That's about how it's gone so far... Currently working with unknown brands of short fur, felt, unknown material of fabric print, and fleece.  Any tips for someone who's never done hand paws before?