I recently got back into hand quilting and bought a 14" Barnett lap hoop. I was also tired of spending my time away from the family, and having the hoop has been so much fun. Quilting is now more relaxing and less rushed because hubby's not complaining I'm away from him. He watches TV and I quilt. The perfect compromise! This hoop is nice because it takes the weight of the quilt off my hands, and puts it into the perfect position to just sit and stitch.
I'm planning on doing a queen size once I finished my lap size that I'm working on. I like basting with safety pins (remove them as I go and never put my hoop over them) because I feel it's more secure since the quilt's moved around a lot, but I know several quilters think thread basting's the way to go.
Hope this helps!