Totally with Quiltmania. Enjoy the process and relax. I use a #9 or #10 needle. Anything smaller is too much for me. Strive for consistency in your stitches. If they get smaller, that's fine. If they don't, that's fine also. This is YOUR quilt. I find hand piecing and hand quilting very relaxing if I DON"T try to make every stitch just perfect. I'm doing one for my oldest son now and it won't make any difference to him at all if the stitches are very small and very consistent. He will prize the quilt because he knows I made it especially for HIM. Relax and enjoy!