Like your quilt and LOVE your sense of humor (Good God Gertie by the time I was done I was sweating bullets) Too funny! I can identify with what you are saying, girlfriend;Been there, done that ....... as far as working myself into a sweat is concerned. From what I've been told, the only way to get good at FMQ is to keep practicing. Personally, I think you did a really good job for your first stab at it. Just a suggestion, though; You might want to practice on smaller pieces, such as pot holders, wall hangings, and table runners. Not having to deal with the bulk of fabric makes a big difference for beginners like us.