I don't baste with thread, but spray baste with 505. Then I take it to the machine and just ... well, remember when we were kids and we'd do the scribble drawings and then color them in with different colors? That's basically how I start and then I get going into a real (hahaha) quilting mojo.. turn on some good music (some have said drink a glass of wine) and relax..and before you know it you'll be done with it in no time.