Steve,
When cutting your thread length, cut it twice as long as you usually do. Quilt half of the thread in one direction while allowing the other end to be loose until the first half is gone. Then rethread your needle with the loose end and quilt in the opposite direction. This takes some planning but you will have fewer knots. -- Do slide your needle often!!!
I also use Thread Heaven to condition my threads while I do applique but never thought of using it for hand quilting BUT I will give it a try.
Suzanne