I just took a machine quilting class where they showed us how to quilt in thirds. The trick is to cut your batting with a wavy cut removing the top and bottom third - quilt the center - reattach the top or bottom batting with its companion piece using small pieces of steam a seam and then repeat for the other end. This way you are handling only the section you are working on - actually, they did spray baste - either Sullivans or June Taylor. Good Luck