I've taped a regular safety pin (upside down) to the top left hand side (near the back) of my machine. Then I lay the metallic thread in a small bowl on the table right below rather than on my thread spindle. Then thread the machine as usual starting through the bottom of the pin. Loosen the top tension a bit. Don't give up - it is doable and you'll have the results you want but it does require patience. Try a practice piece first. Oh, go slow and steady too. Hope this works for you. Your quilt is beautiful.