If this is your first time quilting with a hoop, I would use what you have on hand. The big BUT is if you have to buy a hoop because you have none and your budget allows, I would buy the best quilt hoop that you find. Take one for a test drive at your lqs. The one I chose has a base that sits in my lap on a stand and rotates on a ball hinge. Used it for years, and now have a floor frame one, but still love the lap holder one the best. Mine came from gruber's market genola MN, but I don't think they are in business. I bought mine years ago from Keepsake quilting in Center Harbor NH. Here are a couple of pics
Last edited by nhweaver; 02-03-2012 at 05:18 AM.