It is really fun to play with it and practice, don't be afraid as it will make your muscles bunch up and hurt. You can use the practice piece for an example and hang on the wall to look at or make something out of it as well. Have fun and good luck.

I agree with all above...and I agree...505 spray is the Best...I have tried many...no smell and it does not junk up my needle. Practice on Table runners. Keep practicing...you will get it. Make sure to pull the bobbin thread to the top of the quilt. That was my biggest issue when I started. The Gloves are so important with out then its hard to grip the fabric and your hands will start to hurt and you will get lots of peaks in stead of curves. I love the slider but I am sure there is something out there cheaper that would work just as well.

http://www.daystyledesigns.com/faq.htm#supplies - here are tipa on FMQ'ing and tools from Leah Day

Any advice on why my top thread keeps breaking? I am using a slider, I adjusted the tension, so no bottom thread shows on top or top thread on the bottom, slowed down the speed a little, using a Viking topaz 30, nice big throat, but I go about 2 inches and the top thread breaks or birdsnests underneath. also put in a new quilting 75 needle. what else can I try?

All great advice and practice, practice, practice, and then practice more!!

Yep, practice, practice, practice. Also, I find that when I start a new project it seems like I have to get used to it all over again. I'm not real good at it and my finished pieces will never look as nice as Charisma's but it is fun!