I'm pretty comfortable with my FMQ. I totally agree though, that practise is the key. If I'm trying a new pattern, first I practise on paper until I've got the ins and outs figured out. Then I practise on small 14" square quilt sandwiches. When I'm done them, I just serge around the edge and donate them to animal shelters. Only when I feel confident about a pattern do I use it on a quilt.