I think there is a very magical moment in longarm quilting when the three layers become one quilt.   I start by basting the top and sides but it is still three layers.  It’s a little indescribable but when I am rollling the quilt back and forth between the rollers there is a point when they are no longer separate but a true quilt; all the layers moving together as one.  It’s an exciting time and always boosts my enthusiasm to finish and see the completed project.