I started with FMQ on myViking sewing machine. I actually did OK, after some practice, not great, but not horrible either. I sort of fell into a deal on a Long Arm. I did find a difference in the motion. In FMQ the 'pencil' is stationary and you move the paper. With The long arm, it seems much more natural, as you are moving the pencil, not the paper. They actually tell you to practice drawing before quilting. I was much more successful with the LA. I put large pieces of blank newsprint on the kitchen counter, used a felt tip pen and practiced the designs using my whole arm, not just my hand.