Once again I just have to say how much I love this board. Everyone is so laid back. We all give each other (and ourselves) permission to do what we love the way that works for us!
I have not done a whole lot of hand quilting, but I do enjoy handwork and hope to try more in the future. I have tried with and without a hoop and still haven't decided which I like best. I bought a quilting hoop that fits in a universal stand that I bought years ago for cross stitch and hand embroidery. I sort of think my stitches look better in the hoop than out of it. I tried various hoops just in my lap and found it awkward to keep the hoop positioned while stitching. I've tried just the basted quilt without any hoop at all and that was more comfortable but then my stitches were very irregular. I think I need to just keep practicing and trying different methods till I find what works.
Two things I have decided for sure: 1) I have to use a thimble even though I don't normally use one for hand-sewing, and 2) I prefer to thread-baste the layers for hand quilting rather than use pins. My thread always wants to catch on the safety pins as I'm quilting.