I am quilting my first quilt on one now after using a floor stand hoop. I tied the first one in it. I really like it. It is hard, for me anyway, to get the top and backing in perfectly straight and it takes me a long time doing it alone.
After that, it's a breeze. I especially like being able to do a large section without having to reposition the quilt in a hoop frame. I am comfortable quilting in about any direction so I can't help you there. I use my thumbnail quilting towards me.