Sounds like you and I have a lot in common! I can relate to the hard work involved here - recently took on a project of refurbishing an old quilt. This lady's idea and mine of 'heirloom' were clashing in my brain! This was one I would have just thrown into the burn pile, but gave her my promise it could be repaired. I have to take the entire quilt apart, slowly, very slowly as the material was pretty well rotten. Once it was completely taken apart, I removed the torn spots, put back all squares and then quilted it all. The binding was replaced with scraps that were removed. Although this was a nightmare for me, she cried when she saw the finished project. I think I'm retiring from refurbishing older quilts.

Hope you learned, next time to ask what size?? When I was quilting a large quilt, I would book the time for when the classroom at my LQS was available. Never got down on my knees.

I don't have any trouble getting down on my knees........................... it's getting back up that is the problem!! So while I am down, there, might as well baste a quilt!

We have a giant heavy glass patio table on the enclosed sun porch that I baste on.....it's still difficult to baste a queen or king size quilt on. I'm wishing you luck in your basting.

What a sweetheart you are to do this for a friend.

Using a light hand, I use Elmer's on all the quilts I hand quilt. When I have run into glue, it's no worse than hitting a seam. Of course, it is necessary to smooth out any blobs.

It might be worth taking it to a longarmer to have basted. They can do it quickly and not too expensive (maybe $40-$50?)

This is the way I sandwich my quilts, but you have to have room to do so. Some longarmers will sandwich/ baste a quilt so you can do the hand quilting. I would ask that the "customer" have this done before you get the quilt. You wouldn't have the frustration of piecing the batting, shopping for the backing, etc. Just my humble opinion....

My body will not do floors any more. I go to the church and shove tables together and that works great or go to your local library and ask if there is a space you can use they are always happy to help. Think any large meeting areas they usually have the tables there already and a call or two and you are on your way. Good luck!

mostly done with the basting now, here is a photo of this lovely top.