Before I start my quilting, I do a drawing of what I plan to quilt. When I am satisfied withe the drawing (and have not lifted the pencil from the paper in making the drawing), I then go to the machine and make some practice pieces. I have lots of practice pieces saved, and I always make something out of those. When I have my rhythm down, then I start on my 'real' quilt. Sometimes I spend days doing this. It helps put me in the right frame of mind.