I was a nervous wreck the first few times I did FMQ and then I read a post by a member that said she always ended up with her shoulders so tight she hurt. So I relaxed and what a difference. Practice in this instance is the best way to get what you what. The last one I did I traced the pattern I wanted and just stitched through the paper. It was easy and came out beautifully. I am in awe of those who can just picture what they want and sit down and do it. I am not one of those people. My first attempt at feathers looked like a bowl of spaghetti had been dumped on my quilt. Drawing them first made all the difference in the world. Also I finally bought the FMQ foot that is designed for my machine and that has made things so much better, saving money is one thing; but if I had just bought the correct foot in the first place I would have been way ahead of the game. Don't give up, practice, relax and try to keep in mind that quilting is suppose to be fun and there are no quilt police.