feed dogs
 

can you FMQ with the feed dogs up on a fast machine?

I have heard you can, but you still have to cover them, I know leah day doesn't drop hers

Some people can, I've never tried it because my feed dogs lower with a button. Some people tape an index card over the feed dogs and find that it works for them.

don't understand what you mean by "fast machine"
Some leave the feed dogs up but dial the stitch length down to 0 to disengage the feed dog movement. That way they are not working against your hand movements.
I still prefer to tape plastic over the feed dogs if they don't lower. It helps with the movement of the quilt.

Yep - and on a slow machine too.

I generally find the tension is better when doing FMQ on my Janome if I leave the feed dogs up. Still experimenting with my new 201, not so sure it helps on that one.

I "accidently" left the feed dogs up one day while quilting and it worked fine. Tried it on purpose after that and it didn't work well at all.

I do all the timer. It gives me a better even stitch and it is easier to control than with the
feed dogs in the down position.

You might read this: http://www.The Free Motion Quilting Project: To Drop or Not Drop - That is the Question....webarchive
(I hope this comes as a link; if not you at least have the address!)
I haven't tried this yet but it is interesting.

Oops! http://www.The Free Motion Quilting Project: To Drop or Not Drop - That is the Question
(trying again)