illinois

I have the floor variety frame and used it for several years until a nationally recognized quilter commented that she did all of her quilts in a round hoop. Have never gotten the big frame out since!! I use a 14" hoop that I purchased in the quilting section at JoAnn's. (I have smaller ones for little projects.) Set up the card table, which can hold all the "stuff" and help support the hoop on my lap. I love this for the convenience that I can simply take everything down if company is coming or I need the space while getting a quilt done. As to thimble--I never learned to use one because I can't feel where the needle is but it's a necessity when quilting. I have tried a lot of them but the one I really, really like is a leather thimble with metal that goes over the tip of the finger. I think they call it a nickel thimble?? It, too, is at JoAnn's. It's flexible so fits well but gives some protection from the end of the needle. Aching back--go to Dollar Tree and ask for a lumbar support backrest. It's a mesh sort of thing on a flexible frame and is a lot nicer on your back than a pillow. Some of their stores don't carry them though.