I prefer a hoop or a floor frame, but one thing you need to know is that you make the tension of the quilt in the hoop much looser than you do when using a hoop for hand embroidery. It is almost impossible to quilt a tight quilt. Put it in the hoop where it is nice and smooth and then loosen it up to where, as some describe it, it looks like your cat took a nap in it. You will find it much easier to quilt that way. I like the idea of doing the star one with big stitch to help you practice. It takes time, so don't give up too soon. Also, it is worth forcing yourself to learn to use a thimble. It feels SOOOO awkward at first, but after awhile you won't notice it is there. (Kind of like wearing glasses for the first time.)