I'm amazed at the many different ways you ladies do this. In my situation the only large area I have besides the floor would be a queen size bed then the dining room table. I'd like to try doing it on the bed but I'm worried about being able to smooth it out properly what with the give of the mattress and all. Do those of you who use a bed also lay down a piece of plywood to make it firmer?

Ditto and additionally, wouldn't you need the plywood, or something to keep from pining the sandwich to the bed?

I'm still doing the flying angel on the basement floor, but I still have kids at home to help me up. I need some alternatives for when they fly the coop, and am getting some really good ideas :) Thanks ladies!

I like to anchor the batting to the carpet with long flower straight pins, smooth and pin down the batting the same way on the the edges, then I layer the quilt top and press it lightly. I anchor the edges the same way then start pinning, about 5 inches apart. It is a pain and I hurt all day afterwards but I do love a pinned quilt. The spray bothers me, so I only use it in the summer, outside.

Here's a link to Patsy Thompson's video on using a basting wall. She really makes it look easy.

http://www.patsythompsondesigns.com/free-video/

I would love to try this but am in an apartment and don't have enough free wall space. However, my daughter recently moved and I still have her queen size mattress standing up in the living room. I covered it with an old sheet and spray basted a couple of table runners the other day, lol. Worked great. Makes me think Patsy's method would be terrific but I don't know where I could store the panels.

I have no problem with the mattress "giving", but that being said, we do have a firm style. Just strip off the bedding, except for the bottom sheet and I'm good to go....Our bed is also quite high, you have to hop up to get on it, so less strain on my back. The plywood would be a good idea....you could always store it under the bed.