When I first started learning to hand quilt, I was using any old needle and could hardly push it through. Then I ordered some Roxanne betweens from the Colonial Needle Co., and it was suddenly so easy to quilt! I couldn't believe the difference. I am also now using Roxanne basting and applique needles, and they seem great.
http://www.colonialneedle.com/cgi-bi...e_list_roxanne