Clip any loosed threads. Stray threads will show through lighter fabrics and they can cause snags and uneven stitching. It's a good idea to stay-stitch about one-fourth inch around your top to stabilize the edges, especially if you have pieced edges. Check for loose seams.
Label the quilt top and back top if necessary with a note paper marked "TOP" and secure the note with a safety pin to keep it attached to the fabric.
Fabric with a lot of paint on it (rather than dye) may cause problems during quilting because the paint "grabs" the needle and can cause drag or needle breakage or possibly tearing your quilt.
If your top arrives and it needs pressing before it can be loaded and quilted, I will charge an additional $10 per hour to press. Pressing during every stage of construction should make any additional pressing minimal if needed at all. (Small creases from mailing will be taken care of no charge.)
Save any embellishments such as buttons and bows until after the quilt has been quilted.These are almost impossible to quilt around safely and can damage your quilt and/or my machine.