Instead of dropping your feed dogs when machine quilting, try setting them to zero. This allows the feet to push the bulk of the quilt up, but still allows you to have complete control on direction and length of the stitches. http://www.noqers.org/tips.htm; 11/07/98
If you have snap-on presser feet, leave the shank and snap off the foot. Drop the "foot" and it will keep enough tension on the quilt to help movement but not enough to slow your progress.
When using metallic thread set your tension very loose. Be sure the thread is pulled from an upright position so the spool spins, and not from the horizontal holder. Using the horizontal holder twists the thread, which leads to breakage.
If you get to the center of the quilt and run out of bobbin thread, don't panic! If you have an electric (rechargable) screwdriver or drill, you can use this to wind bobbins. Find a bit that fits inside your bobbin snugly but not too tight, tie in some thread, and vrrrroooommmmmmm.
For ease in feeding a large quilt through a standard machine, sit at an angle to your machine, with the wheel pointing to your right shoulder.
Practice, practice, practice. When you start a new project, do some samples with the same fabrics, batting and thread you plan on using. This way you can adjust your tensions without having loopies on the back of your real quilt.
If you have any tips you'd like to share with the world, for any type of quilting, let me know! I'm always looking for tips and lessons to put up here, and you'll get the credit. You can reach me at csimmerman@noqers.org.
October '98 ... Spray Basting
March '98 Tip... Freezer Paper Applique
January '98 Tip... Quick Tips
December '97 Tip... Tool Care
November '97 Tip...Finding Time
August '97 Tip...Medallion Quilts
July '97 Tips...Progressive QuiltsJune '97 Tips... Fast Geese
May '97 Tips...Machine Quilting Hints
March '97 Tips...Corel as a Design Tool
February '97 Tips...Secret Pockets
January '97 Tips...Binding
December Tips...Misc quick tips
November Tip...Grid Method for half-square triangles.