oh wow 40 years of quilting..I don't have that many years left..sew you win lol.
loved your note

I am with you on this. I have tried several types of hoops, hand held, on a frame....and I still cannot do that. I guess it is (as always) a personal preference as to what is comfortable and what works.

I am finally working on hand quilting the borders of my daughter's quilt. This is my first and I found the frame just didn't feel comfortable and held the quilt too tight. I laid the quilt across my cutting table and found that it was much easier. I had also read that 7-8 stitches per inch is appropriate but I can only get 6 stitches.

When I use a hoop, I create enough slack to allow that rocking action. I'd like to try a floor frame, but I'm concerned that it wouldn't work well since I can't quilt in any direction AT ALL. And when I finally get the space, I'll set up a machine quilting frame. Can't see having enough space for both...

I generally don't use a hoop either,only because I like to quilt towards me, and a hoop requires too much moving.. I agree, it depends on the needle you use, how much practice you get, weave of the fabric, seams, no seams,.... oh yeah, who cares how many stiches you get to the inch???? I do hand quilting because I like the look of hand stitches... Oh and one more thing Quilt Police; I could care less if my stiches are big, little or straight... and it's not uncommon for you to find the backing a little 'bunchy' on the back. So there!

I've tried quilting with a hoop but for me I've found it to be easier to do without, really depends on what you're most comfortable with. Large quilts can be a bit cumbersome like this but they are great to snuggle under while you quilt them.

I finally retired by huge frame to the basement. I like to machine quilt or hoop quilt. I felt like I wasn't in control of it.