I hate basting which is why I've bullied my DH into buying me a gracie, but I found fusible batting a godsend and just started to use spray basting too.

I would just like to add something about the basting with spray. One of the reasons I decided to try it was the 'sandwhich' was getting to be TOO heavy with the three layers AND all of those pins. Not having to deal with the weight of the pins helps with the fatique that comes with muscling a quilt of that size around a DSM.

my biggest problem is my furry helper (cat) that likes to bury himself under each layer as I try to lay them flat. Threatened to sew him into a few quilts, but haven't done it yet.

Add me to the list for whom the layering and basting is least favorite part.

I can't take the spray basting smell or chemicals, so I have to do it the old fashioned way with pins. I do use a pingpong table, which is better than the floor, but it's still a misery, and it's the step that gets me hung up on finishing a quilt. If I could hire someone to do a really good job of it, nice smooth backing, pins reasonably placed -- I would totally pay for that service.

RST

I baste on the bed as well. Hated crawling along the floor to get it done. I've used basting spray only on smaller quilts though - and I back it up with pins.

Add me to that list, too!

i never liked to do it because, after all the work, it was never perfect enough. now, i have a frame - lots easier for me

UUgh.. yes.. making sure the back fabric is ironed without wrinkles, making sure the batting is with out wrinkles helps.. a little bit.... It is what stopss a project flat. I really have to take a deep breath and Just ... do it. :)

This thread inspired me to post on facebook asking for a friend to come over and help me layer and baste my stick of tops in waiting. I offered to barter services -- I'll spend an equal amount of time quilting and finishing, teaching how to make a quilt, or doing some other task for them. Think anyone will take me up on it?

RST

Fly me to Seattle and I will lol :) I loved visiting there last fall.