I use the method detailed on this website:
http://www.quiltingworks.com/cabin-f...iltasyougo.htm
This works for me, and I have made several quilts using this method. The piecing pattern has to be conducive to the design of having 1/2" connecting strips/sashing. With this method, you can quilt to the very edge of the block.
The "Lucky Stars" quilt and "Are We There Yet?" that I recently posted on the board and that are shown below were both made using this method. Lucky Stars has 12.5" blocks, and the other one is smaller.
For me "quilt as you go" makes the machine quilting manageable.
Dayle