I usually use a q-snap lap frame, but my first quilt I quilted fans on a log cabin without a frame and did close hand basting. Right now I am quilting a scrappy hexie ¼" inside each piece and am not using a frame; it is pinned and I find it helpful to sit up to the table and have the weight of the quilt on it (cooler too).
As to the comment about losing your place, I pin a bright coloured scrap to the area when I leave off for the evening, it helps to find my place again. When I am quilting in a frame, I remove the frame each time I finish off in an effort to not stretch things too much, I don't know if it makes any difference, but it's how I was taught, so have continued to do it.
