I have been quilting for 3 1/2 years & consider myself just past the beginner stage. I am very fortunate to have a very supportive husband & circle of friends who all think my work is fantastic. I am very intimidated by FMQ so to this point I only do simple designs, mostly straight or diagonal lines. I like echo quilting & like the look of outlining my designs with straight stitches. I have reconciled myself with "I would rather say I did the whole thing myself (even with simple quilting designs)" than have to send it out for a pro to do the quilting. I am in no way, criticizing anyone who sends it out but I just would rather not. I do enjoy the feeling of accomplishing something all by myself even though I don't have elaborate quilting designs on my quilts. That's my story & I'm sticking to it. LOL
Don't be so hard on yourself & eventually you (& maybe even me) will gain enough confidence to tackle FMQ.