Well I spent the las t two days developing my FMQ skills on a couple small projects that are just for me. One is a small wall hanging and I have it finished. The other is a lap quilt and I have it half done. It turned out to be quite a challenge because it is made out of plush fabric, and it is actually very difficult to move the fabric around. However, I am half way there. I want to thank everyone one on this board for all the wonderful tips and advice. I couldn't have done it without you. When I get this one done. I think I will have the courage to do an "important" quilt. :-D

i think Leah Day shows a way to use a cheater needle to tuck the thread in the quilt , that is what i do

Lots of people sew very small stitches to begin with, and then cut the tails off. They enlarge their stitches after the initial start. I have a tendency to finish the tails off by hand, just as the hand quilters do, by hiding them inside the wadding. I may be making extra work for myself but I prefer that finished result.

I hate to be dumb but what is FMQ?

Oh Duh I figured it out already. Never mind

Me to my machine does a knot st to start and to stop.... I just cut and go BUT firsr I draw up the bobbin thread to the top then do a few sts in the same place and clip and go...

I pull the bobbin to the do a couple of stitchs and I'm off and running.

Me too. This is what I was taught for LA quilting and what I do on my Janome. If you get too carried away with things, however, you will make an unsightly lump. I know people who use a self threading needle to hide the ends as they go along. Your quilt, your decision, but best if you do attach the thread ends one way or another.