I will always hand quilt. There's just something satisfying in finishing a quilt that is your own handwork creation. I guess that's the old school in me. It's calming and I don't get stressed out. I use a large oval hoop that is on a stand. I pin from the center out and quilt the same way. I have done some large quilts like this. I use several kinds of thimbles. try till you find what works for you. I use 9 betweens and hand quilting thread.