Mary, You use what you like to use. It is okay to ask others what patterns they use and what methods. Hoops seem to be a personal preference, some use them, others don/t. I think yoiu just try and see what wroks for you. As for the new toy you mentioned. Not everyone has the newest and best machine. I sew on a 20 year old sewing machine. Some seem to really like the old Featherweights to quilt on, they talk about the perfect stitch, etc. Guess I need to haul out mine that I've hafd since the 50's( before they were the "thing" to have and see if it really does sew better.LOL My suggestion for you, ask questions if you have some, use what you can afford. I do think that a lot of the new rulers that are used for cutting are very nice, but I only have a couple , and I just bought them. And I never have used a rotery cutter, wish I could get the hang of it! And I won"T ever be able to afford those cutting machines and long arm quiters . Carol