Thank you all for the helpful suggestions. Ideas that I took away from this exchange:
1.) Starch the heck out of the top and backing.
2.) After making the sandwich using basting spray iron it front and back to make sure everything is smooth.
3.) Use a walking foot.
4.) Quilt from the middle out if possible.
5.) Don't worry so much about the puckers in the back. Wash it and hope for the best.
Mary Lou