Do NOT - I repeat: DO NOT GIVE UP!!
I didn't start to try FMQ until I was 69 years old. Get this book: Machine Quilting - A Primer of Techniques by Sue Nickels ISBN 1 5742 830 1 Soft cover, very reasonably priced. Available lots of places but I got mine at Amazon.com. Read and follow her instructions and actually make a sampler. A picture of my very first FMQ project is attached. I fell in love with FMQ'ing and wouldn't even think of getting a mid or long arm machine. I do 120 x 120 king size quilts on my small machines. There is a learning curve but isn't at all that bad if you will take the time to go through the book and follow her step by step instructions. I shared this information with the gals in my quilt guild and they do awesome work. Good Luck and don't give up!! It is SO FUN it should be illegal!!!!