Thanks; most of what you've all expressed is what I *assumed* would be the case:
- unbalanced load
- feeling like it needs to be hand-agitated in addition to the machine's capabilities (too big, perhaps and just not really getting the sense that it's moving enough in there)
- weight of the (wet) quilt.
I know that even my regular laundry I sometimes have issues getting the items out (like large towels) because that stoopid agitator takes up SO much space in there, and I'm always whacking my knuckles on it (I have issues). So knowing that I have to wrestle NORMAL laundry out of it, I'll be more careful with the quilt so I don't tear it in the process of removing it from the washer.