I like the big oval hoop (about 24x18 at least!) I also have one with a flat base to sit on your lap w/a rectangular hoop attached to the top that can be moved forward or backward, but always found that a bit unwieldy. It's cool to sit in a nice lazy boy with the quilt puddled around your legs in front of the fireplace during the winter to do hand quilting. Wouldn't recommend it any other time of the year , but then I live in Arizona... I also have a floor frame which I've used for several of my quilts, but it doesn't fit so nicely into the living room and quilting becomes a more isolating experience on that. Hand basting is the key, and starting in the middle of the quilt ou can do any size you like - mine are always bed sized.