Back in 2003 I started FMQ'ing on a short arm and just switched to a Bailey Pro17E. So...from what I have learned is that the more you do, the better you get. I started with practice sandwiches and just played with them...tried different threads, tensions, designs and so on. Once in a while I get out my current practice quilt to experiment or try different techniques even now. Yes, there have been times when I felt I could have done better. Yet, when I take the quilt off the frame, it looks darn good! My philosphy is that every quilt is a rehearsal for the next quilt
. Just do it as my first quilt teacher said, smile.