I have bought 2 different hoops thinking a smaller one would be easier. I just can't get situated right so I ended up trying the hand quilting without a hoop and it works fine just puddled up in my lap. I have to admit that I am not very good at it and I still use the stab/up/down stitch....but it works for me and I enjoy the process of handing quilting even if I am doing it 'wrong'. I think the ironing board idea sounds great and plan to use that in my next hand quilted project.