I don't wanna do it. Every time I get to this point the entire thing goes to hell in a hand basket. I'm trying some new basting techniques I've learned from you all but I'm still dreading doing it.

blah

i know lots dont like poisons in the quilt but i love the spray makes life soo much easier

I know just how you feel!! Having to baste totally ruins the pleasure I got from piecing the top-procrastinating, swearing, crying, and suffering the back pain when it's done-all becomes a distant dream (well, nightmare is more like it) once I can start the quilting!! I am in the same boat now-just finished piecing a fishing-themed quilt for my uncle who is 92 and got my backing pieced and ready-but DREAD the basting. I have used spray on wall quilts etc, but never on a larger one. I usually thread-baste because I hand-quilt. Being 92 yrs old, and hand-quilting it, I'd better get on the ball and get it done while he's still around to enjoy it!! Good luck!

Pack 'er up and send her to me. I'll machine quilt it free-hand, and send her back. PM if interested :)

I can't imagine ladies....I am so sorry...take it slow and easy!

What about just tying it?

I actually considered that, but was afraid of it looking to "foo foo" since I'm making it for a guy.

And thanks for the offer to FMQ it for me, but I have to get over this hurdle

I'm just doing some simple SITD. I started in the middle and moved outwards. I wiggled a little but so far so good.

I don't understand how you all move it around doing FMQ, seems hard enough just to go in a strait line because of the bulk. Enlighten me. What's the secret? I have a darning foot and have practiced but it was very unpleasant looking.

just jump in and try

Are you talking about the basting or the actual quilting? I use safety pins to baste, I've tried the basting but don't like doing it, I'd rather pin, it seems to go quicker for me.
Sometimes I dread the quilting too, only because I'm not sure what I want to do, or what color of thread to use. But it is getting easier.