I'm no expert by any means, but I think you've got a good grip on FMQ so far. I started quilting a year ago last January and feel the same way re the cost of sending a quilt to the LAQ. I KNOW I can do this myself and am motivated to do so; LOVE doing it, in fact! Practice, Practice, Practice!
Just a hint that has helped me tremendously...posted this in the March issue of TQPM...press down firmly while moving your quilt sandwich to gain best control of movement. It really helps a lot! Practicing speed of movement is also helpful. Here is a photo of some of the FMQ done on a floral log cabin I recently finished and sent to one of my sisters. I used chalk to mark each motif before quilting and didn't actually sew on the lines at all times, which looked fine once the chalk was washed out. I will say it took 3 washings...no drying between...to get all the chalk out, using spray and wash, but it did come out.
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