After practicing on a 18 x 24 quilt sandwich I jumped right in with both feet.I FMQ with gardening gloves - almost impossible to do without them, it did not turn out too well but, all the rest have and I just keep doing them, since I give most of my quilts to family and friends I can't see them from here. They look even better than I thought. Everyone is right just keep trying. No such thing as a perfect quilt. I think your first attempt looks great. I don't mark any lines or designs and I do have to relax and not tense up. I usually make full size and larger - in case I want to use it for our bed. Going faster and moving your hands slower will help make more consistent stitches