I just took a class yesterday at one of the LQS on FMQ. Before going to the shop I put one color thread in top and another color thread in bobbin. That way I could see if the tension was correct and/or adjust the tension as needed. RELAX. Try not to keep your shoulder muscles tensed up or it will be very tiring. Listening to books on tape or to music helps me to relax. Have fun with it. I had already been doing stippling and meandering. Yesterday I concentrated on trying out feathers. LOL What a hoot! But I must say that the more I tried it, the better they were getting to be. Not great yet but I have started! Nothing to fear but fear itself. Practice is necessary. The teacher said about 25 hours of practice is needed to become familiar with FMQ