Bree, thank you for the suggestions. Looks like I'll be off to the quilt shop tomorrow to see if I can find a heavier weight thread. Your calculator paper process sounds FABulous! I'm going to try that. Do you like using hera markers? This being my first actual quilting from my sewing machine (YIKES!) I haven't had a chance to research marking supplies. I was feeling a bit daunted, but have a new plan; thanks so much for your help.