From the office supply store, I use rubber finger tips (come in varies sizes) to grip your tiny needle and pull up thru fabric.
Attach a small piece of ‘bold’ fabric onto a safety pin. When you’re done quilting for the day, attach the safety pin where you stopped. When you go back to work, just look for the safety pin and begin quilting again. ---Or--- Use a large button for this same purpose. Slip your threaded needle into the large button, let hang on quilt; button easily marks where to begin quilting again.
I use a two drawer filing cabinet on wheels with wide-bottomed hanging files marked: Patterns, How to, Tips, and Misc. Under ‘How to’ I have labeled files: Backing, Borders, Binding, Hand Quilting, Machine Quilting, Appliqué, etc. I can easily find, refer, or review needed material and all is organized and remains clean within the closed drawers.