Originally Posted by QM (Post 5256505)

There are lots of books and articles on this subject. I got started with Rodale Press's book on machine quilting. One thing you can do is print out a photo (probably in B&W) and try drawing on it with a pencil. Some quilts do best with SitD. If you have a fairly large rectangular or round "blank" area, that could be good with a feathered wreath (or feathered heart) Sometimes, the key is to make the quilting fit the rKecipient. Early on, I tried writing in FMQ. For one highly religious friend, I wrote Bible quotes around the Dresden plate I made him.

There are many sources for excellent design ideas. For example, look at Charismah's spectacular work on this site. Of course, your first work won't look like hers, but use it as an inspiration. I suspect there are several mini classes on FMQ available on U Tube.

Don't expect to like everything you do. I recently tried quilting in a forest, hated it and started over with irregular feathers. RELAX. Draw out the pattern you decide on full scale. I have expert friends who do this with markers on newspapers. This will help you feel comfortable when you actually get started.