Wow! I am bookmarking this topic Trina! BTW your quilting is just lovely! I too am starting handquilting (top) and I am having a hard time with using a hoop and I know I need to! I too have the quilt stand that dpparris is using. I've not used it yet either! I really need a class I think! And a thimble and me are enemies! I cannot keep one on my middle finger .. I hope to find one that really fits one day! :)