Here is a tip about basting and pinning. I heard about a product called Wash Away Wonder Tape. Just adhere and you're ready to sew!
It is a double-sided transparent tape that can be stitched through, will not gum up your needle and completely disappears in first washing. The next time you go to pin something, you will find yourself asking "Can I just tape it?"
Wash Away Wonder Tape also works well with trims, hems, when layering, etc. This does seem to do best when used on shorter pieces of fabric rather than with long seams. Give it a try and see what you think.
Keep Designing,
Bob Martin