I also hand quilt. The best size needle is the 9 or 10 betweener. Don't worry about trying to make extra small stitches - just strive for consistent stitches. Smaller stitches come with practice. I have a PVC frame from Joanns. I tried using a hoop and got too frustrated. I use the frame mainly to keep the quilt off the floor. I attach the quilt on 3 sides only, leaving the side next to me in my lap. I work hard to pin, pin, pin when I'm sandwiching the quilt so the back is straight. My sister recently purchased Quilters Dream Cotton batting and she said her needle glides through like it's butter. I'm going to get some for my next quilt. The main thing to remember is to enjoy the process and don't get stressed. This should be a relaxing hobby for you with no deadline to finish. Hand piecing and hand quilting are very relaxing for me because I can pick the work up and do as little or as much as I want to do before putting it down.