No one has mentioned using "Machingers".. They are gloves with rubberized fingers which help you to get a better grip on the quilt and relieve the pressure on your shoulder.. Be sure to get a size that fits your hands snugly so it doesn't turn on your fingers. I find that this helped me a lot with FMQ. Also, my old Brother had a bed slanted toward the front and this helped to see the work. Try raising the back of the bed a little.