I, too, used to handquilt but haven't for a couple of years. My profile picture is of a postage stamp quilt, a Anne Orr design, that has 6205 one inch squares that I HQ 1/4" inside EACH square. That took about a year, but other, less involved quilts would take about 3 months. The last quilt I HQ was one I started in 2003 when my Marine son went to Iraq. Terrible things happened over there and, for whatever reason, I just couldn't finish that quilt. Finally did in 2010! Anyways, TMI. As others have said, find what works for you - Different needles, thimbles, hoop size or no hoop. I finally settled on a Gold Eye quilting needle size 11, a soft double layer leather thimble, and a hoop that was 12" 'square' with rounded edges. You should be able to find a handquilter at your local quilt shop, guilds, quilt shows, or even your state or county fairs to give you a "hand." (I know, bad pun.)
