I used to handquilt until I got my LA. I am a very unorthadox quilter in that I don't use a thimble and I push the needle with the nail of my index finger or middle finger when quilting toward me. Like Jan the needle has only slipped and jabbed me under the nail a few times. But what happens is I end up drilling a hole in my nail. So then I found an open end thimble but I can't leave it on. I start my thread then slip it on and take 7 to 9 stitches, slip it off then pull the thread through. I taught myself to quilt away from myself by learning to use my thumbnail to push the needle. Bought an open thimble for my thumb too and go through the same procedure. So I have the advantage that I can quilt both toward and away from myself and at an angle. I can't quilt side to side when handquilting. I found to twist the hoop counterclockwise then the next turn twist it clockwise. This helped avoid the tangled mess.