The tip on tieing is a good one. I have a king size I'm trying to double batt and even with my 9" throat on my machine there's really no good way to get to the center of that quilt. I'll be tying it, even though my DH says he doesn't like tied quilts. I'll just use matching thread and pull the ties to the back and he'll never, ever notice. LOL.
I second the curved needle, too. That's what my gran always used and it works great.