You are a really smart quilter. I have been trying to learn FMQ, too. I bought a Brother sewing machine because it talked about drop feed for FMQ & the price was in my budget. The machine is a good machine but the work space is only about 5 1/2 inches from the needle. Being new to quilting I just didn't think about the throat size of a machine. Live & learn. I make bed quilts and it has been a struggle. I think that I'm going to try this...if I can make the space in the spare bedroom.