In Progress - Frayed Nerves

This. This is what my nerves feel like right now.

I am trying to get the twin quilts done before they go off to college, and I am having another FMQ issue.  Why?  Why does this keep happening?  Every time I go to free motion a project I feel like I am starting from scratch and just learning all over again.

I have tried switching needles.  I had success on Gracie's quilt with a machine embroidery needle, but not this time.  A topstitch needle has increased the length of time I can quilt before the thread frays and snaps again, but doesn't solve the whole problem.  I'm using the thread that I finally had good luck with on that quilt (Gutermann machine embroidery rayon), and have bought a different kind to try out (Gutermann all sewing poly).  We'll see.  

I also tried this nifty trick that I saw on a message board.  I was sure it was the thing.  You open up your tension all the way, and slide a crisp dollar bill or piece of firm paper between the tension discs.  It should remove any bit of thread or lint that got stuck in there the last time the thread got all in a wad. 

I can't say that this did any good, nor did any bits come out when I tried it.  But I still think it's a good idea.

Little by little, inch by inch, I'm getting it done.  I just hate that it's taking so long.  I hate all the little stops and starts that I know the boys and their mama will never notice...but I notice.  And I hate that something I love - free motion quilting - has turned into such a struggle and a chore. 

This is one of the blocks I'm happiest with.  I tried to do a swirly, spiral meandering pattern to echo the turning of the propellers.  I'm still contemplating that border.  It's not that wide, and I'm thinking of not quilting it at all just so I can be done.  But it's crying out for something cute there. 

Suggestions?