Here are links to some of mine. Easy to see the stitches because it is light thread on dark background. Actually I used the same thread on both. It is valdani varigated thread. It goes from white to a bright yellow. It is a 35 wt 100% cotton thread. Very nice thread, I would definitely buy it again. I use #11 Roxanne needle and hand quilting hoop.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-47093-1.htm
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-22344-1.htm
Here is a picture of me actually quilting but you can't tell too much from it except like you I don't use a thimble.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-29365-1.htm