You have tons of great tips. I put a table behind my sewing machine ( behind the fold down side, then another table to me left to help hold the weight of the quilt. Also loosly PILE the side of the quilt you are working on in your lap so there is no tugging in your sewing area. Also, get some machiners gloves. those are the white gloves with the rubber tips. I was killing my arms, hands and back until I got those.