Hi...I think so many of us can identify with you. This board is amazing...for me it is like I can being at the most amazing quilting class all day and all night if I want. There is someone there to constantly help, give advice and share inspiration.....as for free machine quilting..I too had problems some weeks ago and the help was amazing...now my FMQ is great...best advice some one gave me was try keeping the feed dogs up...WOW...it is like having a stitch regulator...try it you might be equally impressed