I use Jeana Kimball's Foxglove Cottage needles for piecing and for quilting.. I usually use a #12 Between needle for both. They are a bit difficult to thread.. but I get a nice consistent size of stitch with them and they slide through the fabric with great ease.
I quilt with a stab.. or "needlepoint" type stitch.. I keep one hand on one side of the fabric sandwich and one hand on the other, and pass the needle from one hand to the other. and I do not use a thimble.. but do use a small piece of tape as a finger protector and to help grip the needle.