I have been there and I have not moved far from total fear of FMQ.So to at least be able to enjoy my quilting machine I use pantographs and do alot of SID and ruler work,I may never move to FMQ but I am learning every day about my machine and quilting in general.All I read says practice, practice, practice! One lady I talked to wasn't very nice,But maybe she was having a bad day.Another lady said to work on paper and remember to flow (be free). But please don't let fear keep you from trying.