Good reminder - thanks! I have done that to remove the folds/wrinkles of the batt. Will remember to do that next time as well.
Even with the dust factor, I love - love - love machine quilting on my Bernina 350PE and plan an upgrade in the coming year to a 770QE (for more throat space), so will continue to do the best to keep the allergens at bay. With retirement in the mix as well in under a year, machine quilting is more economical for me. Will use my wonderful longarm friend for those too big for me to wrestle.