I am not a handquilter (although one of these days I will learn) so I don't know if this will work or not, but I use those sticky finger pads when I do any kind of hand stitching.
These are what I use,
http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/p...RODID=prd12974
They stick on really good and if you use your needle in the same spot on your finger all the time you will eventually wear a little divit in the pad and its easier to "hold" the needle in that divit.
I have seen some talk about the Aunt Becky's Finger Protector and I think with a laptop hoop it might just work. They sure make it look so easy! lol
http://www.quilterstv.com/channel/video/0?video=1452 (once the video starts click on browse videos and then scroll down to and click on Hand Quilting- Quilting from the Heartland)