It's me again. I took a hand quilting class last year about this time in VA. The lady taught without a hoop. You used the table or a board for support. I was raised seeing the aunts use quilting frames on the floor or hanging from the ceiling. So this really threw me. I am still not sure if I like it. But it is all I know for the actual hand quilting. So I too have been looking at the hoops. I love the look of nhweavers. My dad's sister is almost 90 and nearly blind and she told me a few weeks ago that she still loves her lap frame that has a stand if she wants to use it. Thanks for listening. Teresa