Why You NEED That 4th Rail

I got a Bailey midarm quilting machine recently. I was up in Washington visiting with DS, DIL, and DGKs for Spring Break, so my DH drove to pick it up for me. He had it all assembled when I got back, and he did a great job.  Except, he didn't install the fourth rail. The assembly instructions didn't mention the fourth rail, and he didn't know what it was for anyhow. I tried to install it this morning, but didn't have the right nuts and bolts.

Today, I finally got around to loading up the backing, front, and batting for a quilt. I got the top at a yard sale, and I figured since I didn't have much work or attachment to it, that top would be a good one to practice on. If it turns out really bad, I'm sure the dog won't mind sleeping on it. Anyhow, because the fourth rail wasn't installed, the extra batting just sort of hangs there (floats is the quilting term) attached at the top but not at the bottom. So, we went to the local home improvement store to get the nuts and bolts, along with stuff for the vegetable garden. And wouldn't you know, we forgot the nuts and bolts.

We came home and went right to work outside in the garden. I came in to get a drink and cool off (don't forget, I'm in SUNNY California) and discovered a very good reason for having that fourth rail on the machine quilting frame. This is Bobbie, who thinks she has found the perfect hidey-hole.