thanks so much for all of the wonderful advice! Like I said, I want to start with "good habits" before letting bad habits get ingrained in my noggin!

free motion tips post
 

Have fun learning to F-M quilt. Stop with the needle down. Never try to move the quilt before the needle goes Up and Down 1x in place. I learned this in a class. So in other words, just relax and take a stitch (or 2) without moving the quilt and then continue on your merry way. Practice stopping and starting on a sample quilt sandwich. Also check to be sure your quilt is not hanging off and causing drag. You should feel like your quilt is sliding freely. Last tip, if you can set your machine to Half speed, do so. Keeps you from taking off too fast when you are learning. Good luck!

https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f...s-t289113.html

I almost forgot...check out the above post where I asked for the best tips for free motion quilting success.

I always try to stop somewhere where a bobble won't show... a seam, a darker spot, etc.

Thanks for the link! I had read it when it was first posted, but it certainly helped to read it again.

Are you using gloves or something that gives you good contact? Sometimes that can make a difference.