ok...so I have always hand quilted, but have decided to try machine quilting to speed up my finishing (want to have time for more projects!) . Need some courage and advice.

I got a walking foot - thought I should try the straight lines first, and have practiced on small sandwich just getting used to the new feel of the WF (saw that someone was making potholders of her practice samples - nice idea!) - like it and feel comfortable with the action, ..so...

1. how do you buy your thread? Seems it would take a lot. I have seen topics discussing the brand, but wondered - do you buy spools? Cones? Do you have to have a billion bobbins wound and ready?
2. What is the easiest way to mark? I have used the blue pens before and have a quilt that I have not been able to remove it all - do you ever use the 1/4 " masking tape to get started, then follow the previous lines?
3. Will the spray basters work well enough on their own to hold the quilt together? I hate pins.

Thanks - you are all so quick to help and have great suggestions...plan to try this week to finish a couple quilts.

I just use Gutterman thread.
A regular spool goes quite a ways. I like the water erasable blue marking pen, and also the same in the Clover white for dark fabrics. Painter's tape is great for doing straight line quilting also. Echo quilting works well also....about 1/4 to 1/2" inside the block lines.
I love 505 basting spray...much better than all that pinning and holds quite well. Not sure how many days, because I don't let mine sit very long after I spray. That brand holds nicely and is safe to use indoors.
Good luck with your machine quilting.

thanks..that will get me started. Will let you know how things turn out.

I buy cones of colors I use the most and a cone holder. It works great on my domestic for doing straight lines.

I have been using June Tailor Spray baste. I like it, and it does go a long way and holds well for me. I spray the warm and natural and then put the backing down on it, press it down real good and turn the project over and spay the batting on that side and press down the quilt top.
Some times I will put a few pins around the sides of blocks to make sure it doesn't shift while I'm quilting in that area, then I move the pins to another block.

Try vinegar on the blue marks you couldn't get out. It is supposed to take them out. I would rub it in gently with an old, soft toothbrush.

Superior Threads offers a lot of different types of quilting thread for machine use. King Tut is one of the favorites for the top thread, and I think So Fine! is one of the favorites for the bottom thread.

You can use the walking foot to make gently curving lines as well as straight lines.

I love basting spray, and it works well. I still pin all the way around the edges after spraying. I manhandle the quilts so much that the edges don't always want to stay sandwiched :roll:

If you have used heat - like from the iron onto the blue pen markings you will have trouble removing - you have set the colour.

Always remember to remove the colour first.

I lost track of the actually topic. which is nothing new with the two fluffs help me concentrate. On what I have no idea. But for threads and especially if you want name rand threewads.. I go to SewLess.com. I buy the 1000 yd embroidery threads for my Bernina for $3.99 and sometimes with another discount of that depending on whats on sale. People who know threads knoew this type is usually about $8 + a spool. So if your looking to spend, they do have more then just one thread manufacturer.

blue

have fun!