Doda I've been trying FMQ for 2 yrs (I'm sure people on this board of tired of me whining about it) and I just can't get it. I've practiced and the practice pieces are fine. I try it on the real thing, thread and needle break.
I've about given up. I draw a quilting pattern (just did holly leaves) on the top, and then just quilt on whatever I've drawn. That works for me. Maybe some of us are just never going to be FMQers!! I don't drop my feeddogs or use a darning foot-just sew over my design with reg sewing foot.