Marge, I normally "stabilize" the quilt by doing stitch in the ditch through all the main vertical and horizontal lines. Then I start with the fun stuff, unless I'm going to stitch in the ditch the entire quilt.
It is daunting the first couple of times you do it, but after awhile you will find it easier.
You might pick up a book on learning to machine quilt, they're very helpful if you don't have anyone around to advise you. Being fulltime in an RV, I've learned everything I know from books, DVD's and emails with help from generous helpful quilters.
Good luck!