I have been hand quilting since I started quilting. Our teacher thought that was the only true way to quilt, and she was really good. It takes lots of practice and patience! I use only YLI thread (cause that is what she used). Love the Roxanne needles. Always keep your first one to see how good you are in 10 years. I wish I could hand do all my quilts, but there is not enough hours in the day! So I do about half and half. Relax and enjoy doing this. I do have a friend who is left handed and she did have a hard time at first! I do not use a thimble and I have a 14 inch hoop!