Some interesting posts here, I make queen size bed quilts machine pieced and all hand quilted sitting in a comforable chair using an 18inch hoop and I love it! I bast well and begin in the centre working my way outwards. I have a good machine to do machine quilting on but since discovering hand quilting I am sold! It is so relaxing and I enjoy it so much I can't wait until my quilt tops are ready to be quilted, it is by far my most favourite part of making a quilt. I think it also depends a lot on what works for you as an individual,there really are no rules except that it should be enjoyable right!
Gal