I find it easier to FMQ smaller projects. I usually do a combination of straight line quilting and FMQ as it takes me a long time to FMQ and I can only do about an hour of it in a day or I go crazy. It definitely helps me to 'warm up' on a practice sandwich beforehand, using the same fabric/batting combination and thread that is in the quilt. I find it is very hard to FMQ a straight line or follow markings - much easier to just 'wing it'. But I keep working on it, each quilt gets a little better.