Haven't hand quilted in many years...at least with regular thread...I have done some utility quilting with pearl cotton and larger needle.
My hands won't allow the fine hand stitches anymore....but back when I did some, I did find it very relaxing and sort of would go into a "trance" while quilting.
I did my quilting without a frame...though I did purchase one many years ago...a Hinterberg one...and it is still in my garage never used...I like the freedom of not having the quilt stretched while I quilt...and my quilts did turn out square...as I did a lot of basting prior to quilting.