I do have to say that the machine makes a big difference as well. I oringinally did FMQ on my Bernina 1280 and I was never very happy with the results - thought it was my machine but I tried my mom's Berninas as well and same level of quality.
I got a mid arm Baby Lok Quilter's Pro 2 years ago and the difference is just amazing - much easier to do FMQ and with by far better results. Maybe because the Bernina is basically for fashion sewing and my Baby Lok is a true quilter's machine? Is a mystery.....