Pam: I've been trying to learn to FMQ for a year now and I'm no better now than I was when I started. Everyone on this board has given great advice and I've tried it all--NOPE!! I've come to the conclusion that I'm missing the FMQ gene. I draw the patterns on my quilt top and just stitch on them (with feed-dogs up) and I'm happy with the way it looks. It does take longer.
I wish you well and hope FMQ works for you. If not you can always try doing it my way: FMQ for Dummies LOL.