When doing a all-over design, is it important to first baste vertical and horizontal lines or can I just pin well and start working out from the middle?

If you're quilting on a domestic sewing machine, it's best to stabilize by quilting in the ditch first. If you don't want the ditch quilting to be permanent, you can use water soluble thread (top and bottom) and then you don't even have to follow the ditches. Superior threads makes a good water soluble thread, called Vanish-Lite.

Great Idea -- Why didn't I think of that? I didn't see that suggestion in all the books I've been reviewing.

When you use the water soluble thread, do you only use it in the top?

Great idea.

I didn't even know there was such a thing as water-soluble thread! You guys are making me so smart!

Can the water soluble thread be removed by just spraying/spritzing with water or do you have to wash the quilt?

What a great idea!! Does it leave holes in the fabric or do they disappear when it is washed?