Can you explain what isn't working for you?
When I tried to quilt on the couch with the quilt in my lap (I use a 12" circular wooden hoop), the weight of the quilt caused problems for my wrists and shoulders. Now I quilt at the dining room table, resting the front of my hoop on the table in front of me, and letting the excess quilt spill over onto the table and onto chairs on either side. This frees me from dealing with the weight of the quilt (I also do my bindings at the table). Unfortunately, it does eliminate the possibility of watching TV while I quilt, but audiobooks are a good substitute.
I also tried a large oval hoop, and that didn't work for me either. You have to be able to reach easily to the middle of the hoop with both hands.