Hello,
Well here is my 2 cents worth, your doing better than I did I started a wedding ring quilt for my daughter and her hubby just before they got married and 10 years yes it took me ten whole years to finish but they are going to get it for Christmas this year. But than is not why I have responded to your plea you see I am new to FMQ and after tring two different machines I have found that using a Top stitch needle and Sulky 100% viscose thread is the only thread that does not break or shred not only with FMQ, but also works great in my embroidery machine on those small letters. You can buy it at JoAnn's and use a coupon as it's a little over $11.00 for a spool but you get 1500 yards of thread. Good Luck.