my first quilt was a whole cloth - done for my Mother- all by hand without a hoop. didn't know a thing, just started out and did it. have done 2 more since for two of my daughters. one all white thread, other done in colors to bring out the basket of pansies. I bought four of these beautiful whole cloth tops, all hand stenciled from a sweet Amish lady - her husband helped her stencil. I doubt she is still doing, as she was elderly when I purchased six or seven years ago. truly worth the effort