Jeannie, I would LOVE to see your table runner! Sounds adorable!
I am thinking I may try to quilt just the top and batting.....maybe put a thin muslin on the back of the batting to prevent it catching...then do the embellishing....then add a backing and bind it. Maybe add some felt snowflakes that are attached through all the layers to anchor the backing? I don't want all of the knots/stitches on the back of the skirt, and I don't know how to accomplish beading without having the stitches show on the back.