Kat, your quilt is really pretty. You should relax and enjoy the hand quilting process. You need to buy some quilting needles...called "betweens"...they come in different sizes...since you are new..don't be scared at how small they are :wink:
The matter of a hoop is personal preference. I do use one, but many don't. They are way better than I am at making even stitches.
In my limited experience, you kind of dip your needle up and down through the fabric "loading" the needle with stitches before you pull it through. You probably should search youtube for some videos...it is really helpful to see it done.