If you have never quilted before I might suggest using a temporary spray basting method. I lay out my batting and smooth it out on a table. Then I position my backing on top and smooth it out. Taking a clean piece of lumber (a 1" x 4" at least as wide as the quilt that has been wiped off and is clean), I carefully roll up the backing fabric to the halfway point. Spray the batting and carefully unroll the backing over the sprayed batting. Repeat on the other half. Once done, trim the batting to the size of the backing. Flip the entire piece over and do the same to the pieced top. Smooth and center the top on the backing sandwich. Then start rolling and spraying the top. I never have any wrinkles or bubbles and everything lays flat and smooth. When done, I take my walking foot and stitch the entire outside edge down with a zig zag stitch to prevent anything from shifting while I quilt. Re: quilting. I would suggest an easy method is to do diagonal cross hatching. Use the blue painters tape (either the 1" or 2" would work), set at a 45 degree angle across the widest part of your quilt. Sew on both sides of the tape. I usually use another piece of tape as a guide. Position it next to the first tape and your line of stitching. Then remove your first tape and position it next to the guide with the sides touching, but not overlapping. When you remove the guide, you can again sew on both sides of the tape. Easy peasy. I always wash my quilts before gifting if I use the temporary spray. Good luck. Your quilt is beautiful!