I am so sorry that you had a battle with the needle and you lost, but time will heal the injury. Now as for FMQ, I have tried several times and I thought I was a coordinated person, but just can't seem to get the rounded points, they all resemble ice cicles. I know lots of practice and lots of patience. Do you think you will try again? My wish for the new year is to make a stack of quilting sandwiches and each day, sit down and practice for 15 min. Merry Christmas and a wonderful new year.