Hi...I too am trying FMQ...and it is hard...I have got stippling sorted and am trying to move on but it is a huge learning curve.
Things that I've learnt though are...
1. Batting- definatly makes a huge difference, find the one that works best with you and your machine
2. Needles ..always use a new one
3. Dog feed DOWN
4. Thead...now heres an interesting one...can quilt easy with thinner thread...but go to something like King Tut and my machine hates it...tension becomes off, thread breaks etc....so try different threads with different needles
5. Patience...needs lots of it
6. Need to be alone in the house...so when it all goes really bad, no one can hear what I am calling my machine, my thread, my pattern, my room....my life...the universe etc.
7. Wine....to relax before, during and after your session!!
Good luck.