i was just reading the entire topic as I am a beginner too and always look for advice. All FMQ I did so far was a babyblanket and some sewing machine covers.
The advice that helped me the most so far is: do not watch the needle, watch where you want to go. And what also helps me a lot is that my machine can be set with three different speeds. So I can set and go by full speed.
My biggest problem is that I try to follow every curve with my tongue.................so after practicing FMQ not just my shoulders but also my jaw hurt :oops:

Hey that is what practise peices are suppose to look, myself I would have chosen a simpler peice to practice on. in fact I did. I recently got a walking foot, I love it, I don't have a darning foot yet. My be you could give me some pointers. Theresse

Hey don't lake it so hard we are still learning.

I think you might be happier with a lower contrast thread, maybe even a clear thread. FMQ is really hard and I don't have a great handle on it yet. But I do find that if the quilting is not so pronounced it can be easier to tolerate a few mistakes.
I really like the way you used different patterns in each block, and I love the blocks.

would you be interested in my giving you some honest critique on your situation. Privately that is.