You know, I am taking a freemotion class at Joann right now. I'm the only one in the class...in fact...I've been the only one in all of my quilting classes so far...anyhow...my teacher had me practice with no thread and putting 8 1/2x11 paper through my machine (feed dogs down of course)...just to practice moving the paper around.

Then, I worked on following the lines in a bandana as practice. :) It's all been very helpful.

She kept all of the 8 1/2x11 sheets I practiced on to show how much better I have gotten through PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE. :D

I am self taught. I bought a Juki because of the larger throat and just started practicing. I'm still learning.

still a beginner, definitely but mostly books or internet. I think that practice is a big thing, on a scrap piece, each time before you start on the real thing. Also, yes, a glass of wine for stippling/meandering, seems to help a lot to relax.

just love the hearts

you will need a slider or anything that will help the quilt slide easier you will need to put a hole in for the needle if you aren't using a slider, it comes with the hole already. I use gloves and it does help. Another thing is if your backing is busy it helps it won't show the boo bo bos I like to use silk 100wt silk thread it is just amazing how good your quilting will look.

I was a hand-quilter who had been out of practice for oh.. 10 years.. and searched the internet for tips. Prior to that, I thought you had to have a long-arm (but I didn't know what it was called or anything) to machine quilt. I found Leah Day's You Tube site and was tickled to find that you could quilt on a sewing machine! I didn't even HAVE a sewing machine, but I knew I could get one!

I practiced on a very tiny Singer that was actually very good at FMQ, so it gave me a lot of confidence. I took a class on Craftsy for $20 and it was worth every penny. I have moved up in sewing machines, but some are better at FMQ than others. I don't use any other special equipment. I put a drop of glycerin on my hands instead of wearing gloves.

Just have fun with it. It won't look great right out of the gate. I have "mastered" a few fillers and use them the most. My quilts are for family, not for show, but I love making them!!