unless you want the quilting to show and be the focus point on your quilt, if not, the quilt pattern and fabric will be the what makes the quilt. Quilting can be almost invisible and when is all done and you are looking at the quilt on the bed or wall all you see is the color of your fabric and the pattern.
this is how I look at my quilts and like someone on this board said even if you make a small mistake while quilting you might never see it. Sooo....... go ahead, give it a try.

Thank you , this is the way I am, most people never make remarks about how they are made, but there are those that do. Those are the ones that never receive one of my hand made gifts again..

I have a similar problem - I do SID or cross -hatching, or diamonds on the border, simple straight line stitching. I guess I'll just keep watching the tutorials and one day I'm going to jump in and start FMQ. Which me luck - nothing ventured, nothing gained. I should remind myself that when I first started quilting my quilting wasn't that great, but its' gotten better with time.

My quilting is therapy. I make what I call good everyday quilts. They are made mostly for me but somehow someone always wants them!!!!
I have trouble moving around and can't manage a full size quilt for long. I do mine in sections. They are quilted in sections. Then I sew the sections together and quilt by hand where needed. All it take is some graph paper and time. It does take longer to do a large quilt this way but it's much easier to quilt even fancy patterns. My digital camera died and I have been buying fabric instead of replacing it. will replace soon and post some pictures.

I have made lots of quilts and now I only machine quilt. I'm still trying to make a perfect quilt and after 114, they still aren't perfect. If I keep trying I may get closer. I love making quilts and doing FMQ and love the look. Mistakes I see others don't. Everyone that has one of my quilts haven't a clue how to sew. Make them pretty colors and patterns and they will love it.

Ladies, thank you so much for the encouraging words. I will keep practicing.

My experience is that those I make quilts for think I am an amazing quilter -- I stipple that's it, but to them it is amazing because they don't quilt. I am in no means an expert. I have tons of mistakes and area where my stitch length is not even, but they don't mind. Stop worrying they will love whatever you make - and if they don't they do not realize all the time and effort that goes into making a quilt.

When I transitioned from hand quilting to machine quilting I was worried that those that received them would be disappointed! I found most don't care how its done just that I took the time to make it .. Anything I hand quilt never gets used. They think it's too nice to use. I WANT them used. Finally I never had a gift done when I needed it as hand quilting takes too long. That Said I now machine quilt. I'm not much past meandering but it works!! I still hand quilt but when I do it IS special and usually for my own use!! Go for it!! It doesn't have to be perfect!!

The more you do the more at ease you will become....take a deep breath, do some practice pieces, and most important
enjoy yourself!