Before I start FMQ on something, I sandwich a largish scrap of the same fabric as the top and bottom and practice on that. This helps you adjust the tension to suit the quilt. I draw out what I want to do first on paper and do it over and over until I get the rhythm. A friend of mine said to have a glass of wine first in order to relax! I usually FMQ in the morning, so that's no good for me. The books all say to go fast, but I find I do better starting out slow and going at a more moderate pace. Also, with my machine, it seems I do a better job with the feed dogs UP even though I'm using the darning foot. Don't know why!