Yes, you still need to baste the quilt before you quilt; just snip the section where you are going to quilt as you get to it. Also, you may know to release the pressure on the quilt at night. Also # 2. Hope there are no kitties at your house because -can you guess there their new-favorite nap spot will be? Been there, done that! Good luck. If you are short like I am, maybe your dh can shorten the legs so you won't have to stretch or strain while quilting.