Edie, Forget about quilt police. Whatever works for you. I use my middle finger on my right hand and my thumb on my left to quilt with when I am using a frame. I taught myself to quilt with both hands long ago. It is much more comfortable when using a frame as it keeps me from getting in that very awkard position with my right hand. If you can touch type or play the piano it should be easy for you to get the knack of both hands. I have always been a handquilter. At this point in my life the only thing I machine quilt is Linus quilts and gifts for small children. That is only because of time and the fact that those items will get lots of laundering.
Many of my quilting friends think I am crazy for still handquilting. I manage to complete as many if not more projects than them the majority of the time.