First I use a hoop & quilt toward myself.
Second I discovered with my last quilt that when I got to the edge I could quilt without the hoop but when I went back to the middle I had to have the hoop.
Third When I started I used embroidery needles.I was that dumb. When I changed to quilting betweens I was pleasantly surprised! I use size 10s now but I did order the size 11 Roxanns 'cause I think that I'm ready to start with a smaller needle. Use the smallest needle you can & still have control then when your ready go down. You're so smart to investigate.