I practiced at the beginning & it does help. Then I told one of the ladies at LQS that sometimes I want to do what I want in FMQ even if it means CROSSING LINES. She told me IT'S YOUR QUILT DO WHAT YOU WANT. So I tried crossing lines etc when I wanted to EVEN WITH A DIFFERENT COLOR THREAD FOR EACH LINE. Guess what! I'm much happier. I've made some really pretty quilts and given them to people. They like them and the quilts turned out pretty. I think everyone has a sense of what looks good & what doesn't. You'll know if you don't like it. FORGET ABOUT THE QUILT POLICE ENJOY YOUR QUILT AND QUILTING PROCESS. Good luck.