Exactly, Suz. I roll up the quilt from both sides. Then I begin in the middle and work my way out. When I am through with the roll under the machine, then it gets turned around with the new roll placed in the keyhole. This method has given me more control and less stress. I also wear gloves called Machingers, but any glove for traction works. The dollar store sells gardening gloves with those dots on them. If you find that you are actually dragging the quilt on the table, use some spray polish or wax. This isn't rocket science, just a method I stumbled on that works for me.
PS--no ironing board with this one. The tables are one in front of machine and one in back of machine. Then I sit on head end of machine.